The pension amount for expatriates will not be increased, and the government is not considering raising the age limit for Welfare Fund membership, says the Chief Minister.

The government is not considering increasing the pension amount for expatriates or raising the age limit for membership in the Welfare Fund, the Chief Minister informed the Legislative Assembly. He explained that due to the increasing number of new beneficiaries receiving pensions and other benefits, the government currently has no plans to raise the pension amount or the age limit for Welfare Fund membership.

However, the Chief Minister stated that the government is focusing on enhancing the efficiency of existing welfare schemes for expatriates and introducing new schemes as needed. He was responding to a submission by T.V. Ibrahim. The primary objectives of the NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) department include ensuring the welfare of expatriate Malayalis worldwide, addressing their grievances, protecting their rights, rehabilitating returnees, and encouraging expatriate investments in the state.

Through NORKA Roots and the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board, the government has implemented several welfare schemes for expatriates. These include the "Santhwana" medical assistance scheme for economically disadvantaged returnees, the "NDPREM" rehabilitation program, the "Pravasi Bhadratha" reintegration scheme, a job portal, and the NORKA Business Centre.

Only those aged between 18 and 60 who are members of the Pravasi Welfare Fund and regularly contribute are eligible for benefits from the board.