DOHA EXPATRIATES from the Indian state of Kerala living in Qatar can now get their non-resident Keralite identity cards (Pravasi Card) from the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), an institution that functions under the aegis of Indian embassy.
The ICBF “will provide all support and guidance in this direction”, an Indian embassy source said.
The application forms will be available at ICBF cells in Qatar shortly. The cells will also collect the furnished application forms along with the required documents and self-attested copies of the relevant pages of passport and visa. The registration fee and other details will be announced by ICBF in Doha shortly, the source added.
The Card, which can be used as personal ID proof back in Kerala, is issued by the Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs Department (NoRKA) of the state government and is valid for three years. Adult (over 18) expatriates from Kerala who have been abroad for at least six months are eligible.
Each card carries a unique master policy number and provides the holder insurance cover to the extent of Rs200,000 against death, permanent, total and partial disability caused by accident.
So far, 200,000 Keralites in the Gulf region have received the card since its launch in August 2008.
The tie-up with ICBF is part of an initiative to expedite the process of issuing the cards. As a first step under the initiative, NoRKA set up dedicated identity card cells in Thiruvananthapuran, Kochi and Kozhikode districts of the state.
Now it has tied up with Indian social organisations in the GCC countries for distributing the cards.
Non-resident Keralites whose Pravasi Cards have expired can also renew their cards through the ICBF.
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