MUSCAT: The Kerala Government, on Tuesday, has released the order to implement revised pension plan for expatriates under the Pravasi Welfare Fund.

Currently, those registered with Pravasi Welfare Fund are receiving ₹2000 per month as pension after completing 60 years of age. But with the revised pension, expats who have already returned home will receive ₹3000 and expats who are still living abroad will be receiving ₹3500 per month.

“People are asking me when these revisions will take effect. I am happy to say that either in March or April 2022, members will receive the revised pension,” said P. M. Jabir, Director, Kerala Pravasi Wefare Fund Pension.

In April 2018, the State Government of Kerala has introduced the Pravasi Pension Scheme to help lower and middle-income group Keralites living outside the country. The Kerala State Government set up Pravasi Welfare Fund, the first of its kind in the country, to provide Pravasi Pension Scheme to Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs abroad) and NRKs (in India). Nearly 21,000 people are getting the benefits of this pension, more than 6 lakh people are members.

How to become a member?
Every Non-Resident Keralite (NRK) aged between 18 years to 60 years is eligible to register as a member of the Pravasi Welfare Fund. The membership is divided into three categories:
1. Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who are working abroad (1A)
2. NRKs who have returned to India for permanent settlement after employment for a period of at least 2 years abroad (1B)
3. NRKs who are working in India outside Kerala (2A)