Norka centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
| Photo Credit: TH
The State government has started the process of issuing the ‘NoRKA Returnee ID Card,’ a long-standing demand of non-resident Keralites (NoRKs) who have returned or in other States. This identification card is intended for Keralites who have returned after residing outside the State or country for a minimum period of two years.
A web portal for this purpose has been made available from October 8. Prakash P. Joseph, general manager of NoRKA-Roots, inaugurated the web portal for registration and a dedicated enrollment assistance centre here on Thursday.
The card will be useful not only for accessing various government services but also for availing themselves of welfare and rehabilitation schemes designed for returning expatriates, said Mr. Joseph. One can access the portal by visiting the NoRKA Roots website at norkaroots.kerala.gov.in.
Applications for the card can be submitted online or through Akshaya centres across the State. The fee for the ID card, which has a validity of three years, is ₹200. A dedicated help desk has been set up at the NoRKA Centre in Thiruvananthapuram for the purpose. Once enrolment is complete and the verification of documents is finalised, the e-card will be sent to the registered mobile number.
Applicants must provide a passport-sized photograph, Aadhaar card, and proof of their status as a returnee migrant. The documents accepted as proof of having resided abroad include an expired NoRKA migrant ID card, migrant welfare fund board membership card; and self-attested copies of visa pages from the passport. For those who resided in other Indian States, an expired NRK ID card or migrant welfare fund board membership card will be enough.
Alternatively, a certificate confirming residence as a migrant Keralite for over two years and subsequent permanent settlement in Kerala issued by a village officer, secretary or president of a local self-government Institution, gazetted officer, MLA/ MP, is also accepted. Any one of these documents must be submitted along with the passport-sized photograph, signature, and Aadhaar card, according to the officials.
Published – October 08, 2026 07:59 pm IST
