Malayalis in Gulf countries reach out to NORKA-Roots for assistance

Thiruvananthapuram: NORKA-Roots, the Kerala government agency for welfare of non-resident Keralites, have opened a helpdesk to extend assistance to the Malayalis in Gulf countries in view of the conflict in the region.

Many flights from Kerala to Gulf countries have been cancelled.

NORKA Roots chief executive officer Ajith Kolassery told DH that within hours of opening the help desk scores of calls were coming, mostly enquiring about flight cancellations. Many were also expressing concerns over their visa getting expired soon.

NORKA-Roots will pass on information regarding the Malayalis who seek assistance to the Indian embassies through the ministry of external affairs.

The Malayali population in Gulf countries is estimated to be around three million. The number of Malayalis in Iran is comparatively low. Many medical students from Kerala are in Iran. They had earlier sought assistance.

NORKA -Roots help desks can be contacted at 91-8802012345 (international missed call), 18004253939 (Toll free number from India).

Most flights to the Gulf region from the four airports in Kerala have been already cancelled. Till Saturday evening around a dozen flights have been cancelled. A large number of passengers stranded in the airports in Kerala were even sharing their anxieties over losing their jobs.

Malayalis in Gulf countries are also sharing videos of the war through social media groups.