Extend NORKA Care Plus Insurance and NORKA ID Card Facility to OCI cardholders of India
The Issue
To
The Hon’ble Chief Minister
Government of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram
Subject: Request to extend NORKA ID Card and NORKA Care Plus eligibility to OCI cardholders of Kerala origin residing abroad
Respected Sir,
On behalf of the NORKA Coordination Council Canada, we request the Government of Kerala to consider extending eligibility for the NORKA ID Card to OCI cardholders of Kerala origin residing abroad.
At present, a valid NORKA ID is required to enrol in NORKA Care Plus. As OCI cardholders are not currently eligible for the NORKA ID, a significant section of the overseas Malayali community is unable to access this initiative.
We therefore request that eligible OCI cardholders of Kerala origin be permitted to obtain the NORKA ID, subject to appropriate documentation and verification. This would also enable them to enrol in NORKA Care Plus, subject to the applicable insurance terms and conditions.
Relevance to the Malayali community in Canada
This is particularly relevant to the Malayali community in Canada. While Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, lengthy waiting periods for specialist consultations, diagnostic procedures and certain treatments remain a concern. As a result, many Malayalis consider Kerala for timely consultations, diagnostic investigations and planned medical treatment when required.
It is also important to consider the circumstances of overseas Malayalis as their residency status evolves. A person may initially live in Canada as a permanent resident and later become a Canadian citizen, subsequently obtaining an OCI card to maintain their connection with India. This change in status does not necessarily change their economic or healthcare circumstances in Canada.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet provincial eligibility requirements access the same publicly funded healthcare system and face the same system-wide constraints. Similarly, obtaining OCI status does not, by itself, provide an additional income or healthcare benefit in Canada. Its benefits relate primarily to maintaining a closer and more convenient connection with India.
For this reason, acquiring foreign citizenship should not, by itself, result in an overseas Malayali losing access to NORKA initiatives for which they would otherwise be eligible, particularly when their connection with Kerala remains strong.
Access to an appropriate insurance scheme such as NORKA Care Plus could make seeking consultations, investigations or planned treatment in Kerala more practical and affordable for these families.
Strengthening Kerala’s connection with its global diaspora
Extending eligibility would also strengthen NORKA’s engagement with a significant section of the global Malayali community. OCI cardholders of Kerala origin continue to maintain close family, cultural, social and economic ties with the State. Many travel to Kerala regularly, support family members, own property, invest, participate in community activities and contribute to Kerala’s economy in numerous ways.
Their change in citizenship does not diminish these connections. In many cases, obtaining OCI status itself reflects their desire to maintain a continuing relationship with India and Kerala.
Extending NORKA ID eligibility to this community could therefore help create greater continuity in Kerala’s engagement with overseas Malayalis, regardless of whether they are permanent residents or citizens of their country of residence.
We therefore respectfully request the Government of Kerala to consider:
1. Extending eligibility for the NORKA ID Card to OCI cardholders of Kerala origin residing abroad, subject to suitable eligibility and verification requirements.
2. Enabling eligible OCI cardholders who obtain the NORKA ID to enrol in NORKA Care Plus, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme.
3. Examining any legal, regulatory or administrative changes required to facilitate this inclusion.
We hope the Government will give favourable consideration to this request as part of its continuing efforts to support and engage Malayalis across the world.
For Malayalis living abroad, Kerala continues to be home, regardless of the passport they hold.
With highest regards,
NORKA Coordination Council Canada
300
The Issue
To
The Hon’ble Chief Minister
Government of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram
Subject: Request to extend NORKA ID Card and NORKA Care Plus eligibility to OCI cardholders of Kerala origin residing abroad
Respected Sir,
On behalf of the NORKA Coordination Council Canada, we request the Government of Kerala to consider extending eligibility for the NORKA ID Card to OCI cardholders of Kerala origin residing abroad.
At present, a valid NORKA ID is required to enrol in NORKA Care Plus. As OCI cardholders are not currently eligible for the NORKA ID, a significant section of the overseas Malayali community is unable to access this initiative.
We therefore request that eligible OCI cardholders of Kerala origin be permitted to obtain the NORKA ID, subject to appropriate documentation and verification. This would also enable them to enrol in NORKA Care Plus, subject to the applicable insurance terms and conditions.
Relevance to the Malayali community in Canada
This is particularly relevant to the Malayali community in Canada. While Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, lengthy waiting periods for specialist consultations, diagnostic procedures and certain treatments remain a concern. As a result, many Malayalis consider Kerala for timely consultations, diagnostic investigations and planned medical treatment when required.
It is also important to consider the circumstances of overseas Malayalis as their residency status evolves. A person may initially live in Canada as a permanent resident and later become a Canadian citizen, subsequently obtaining an OCI card to maintain their connection with India. This change in status does not necessarily change their economic or healthcare circumstances in Canada.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet provincial eligibility requirements access the same publicly funded healthcare system and face the same system-wide constraints. Similarly, obtaining OCI status does not, by itself, provide an additional income or healthcare benefit in Canada. Its benefits relate primarily to maintaining a closer and more convenient connection with India.
For this reason, acquiring foreign citizenship should not, by itself, result in an overseas Malayali losing access to NORKA initiatives for which they would otherwise be eligible, particularly when their connection with Kerala remains strong.
Access to an appropriate insurance scheme such as NORKA Care Plus could make seeking consultations, investigations or planned treatment in Kerala more practical and affordable for these families.
Strengthening Kerala’s connection with its global diaspora
Extending eligibility would also strengthen NORKA’s engagement with a significant section of the global Malayali community. OCI cardholders of Kerala origin continue to maintain close family, cultural, social and economic ties with the State. Many travel to Kerala regularly, support family members, own property, invest, participate in community activities and contribute to Kerala’s economy in numerous ways.
Their change in citizenship does not diminish these connections. In many cases, obtaining OCI status itself reflects their desire to maintain a continuing relationship with India and Kerala.
Extending NORKA ID eligibility to this community could therefore help create greater continuity in Kerala’s engagement with overseas Malayalis, regardless of whether they are permanent residents or citizens of their country of residence.
We therefore respectfully request the Government of Kerala to consider:
1. Extending eligibility for the NORKA ID Card to OCI cardholders of Kerala origin residing abroad, subject to suitable eligibility and verification requirements.
2. Enabling eligible OCI cardholders who obtain the NORKA ID to enrol in NORKA Care Plus, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme.
3. Examining any legal, regulatory or administrative changes required to facilitate this inclusion.
We hope the Government will give favourable consideration to this request as part of its continuing efforts to support and engage Malayalis across the world.
For Malayalis living abroad, Kerala continues to be home, regardless of the passport they hold.
With highest regards,
NORKA Coordination Council Canada
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on September 7, 2026