Bridging Africa and Kerala

Harish Jagathalan Nair
Country : Benin
Profession : Country Head- DAG BAJAJ BENIN
Years of Migration: 12

I am a member of the 2022–2024 Loka Kerala Sabha representing the Benin Republic, Africa. I also serve as a Board Member of the World Malayali Federation and as the Africa Coordinator of the Kerala Government’s Malayalam Mission. In my capacity as the Africa Coordinator of the Kerala Government’s Malayalam Mission, I am currently overseeing and supporting activities across 17 African countries, aimed at promoting the Malayalam language and cultural heritage among the Diaspora.

Participating as a delegate in the 2024 Loka Kerala Sabha has been one of the most prestigious and responsible experiences of my expatriate life. This platform provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with delegates from across the globe and to present the concerns, challenges and expectations of the expatriate Malayali community before the Government of Kerala and its concerned departments.

During my participation in the earlier Loka Kerala Sabha sessions, critical issues faced by expatriate Malayalis—particularly in the areas of employment, business, health, insurance, rehabilitation and welfare—were discussed in depth. Special emphasis was placed on the practical difficulties experienced by expatriates residing in African countries, including documentation inaccuracies, lack of timely emergency assistance, complexities related to posthumous procedures and challenges in accessing and expanding business opportunities.

Building upon these deliberations, several follow-up initiatives among Malayali expatriates in my country of residence as well as in other African nations were initiated. I was actively involved in rescue and support efforts related to accidents, medical emergencies, unforeseen deaths, body repatriation and the provision of financial and psychological assistance to affected families. Additionally, through various charitable initiatives, I endeavoured to extend educational support, medical aid and emergency financial assistance wherever possible, both within my host country and beyond.

Providing emergency assistance to Malayali expatriates facing incarceration or serious legal challenges was another significant area of engagement. Through close coordination with Indian embassies, local authorities and social organisations, efforts were made to expedite legal procedures, ensure due consideration of human rights, and, in certain cases, facilitate the release of individuals. These interventions greatly strengthened trust and reassurance within the expatriate community.

Special efforts were also undertaken to enhance awareness of welfare services available through NORKA Roots. The significance of the NORKA ID card, NORKA health insurance and other welfare schemes was clearly communicated to expatriates across African countries. Direct guidance was provided to facilitate enrolment in the NORKA Care health insurance scheme, enabling many expatriates to access vital government benefits and social security.

In addition, popularising the Loka Kerala Sabha’s digital platforms and online portal among expatriates were another active role. Awareness was created to directly register grievances, propose suggestions and feedback through these digital systems, thereby strengthening participation and transparency.

Looking ahead, I hope the LKS will be more effective in coming years and suggests that the following mechanisms would be implemented in the near future:

• Establishment of a timely and structured resolution mechanism for expatriate issues
• Creation of region-wise expatriate help desks, development of standardised protocols for rescue and emergency assistance operations
• Introduction of leadership development programmes for young expatriates
• Implementation of special initiatives focused on expatriate investment, entrepreneurship, and skill development