Kerala’s Minister for General Education and Labour, V. Sivankutty, revealed that his team engaged in discussions with representatives from 32 prominent UAE-based companies, all of whom expressed a keen interest in recruiting more than 1,000 individuals
In a recent development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen a surge in hiring as a multitude of skilled Indian professionals eagerly seek job opportunities in the country, according to a report in Khaleej Times.
Kerala’s Minister for General Education and Labour, V. Sivankutty, revealed that his team engaged in discussions with representatives from 32 prominent UAE-based companies, all of whom expressed a keen interest in recruiting more than 1,000 individuals. These positions encompass a diverse range of fields, including doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and healthcare professionals. The ambitious goal is to meet these staffing requirements within the coming six months, as stated by Sivankutty during a press conference held in Dubai.
This recruitment drive falls under the purview of the Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants (ODEPC) program, initiated by the Kerala government. Currently, a delegation from ODEPC is on a mission to the UAE, unveiling multiple programs and strategies designed to cater to the needs of non-resident Keralites.
ODEPC, established in 1977, boasts a commendable track record of placing over 10,200 employees across various global destinations. According to Sivankutty, the programs administered by ODEPC play a pivotal role in safeguarding Indians against fraudulent visa schemes and unscrupulous private agents.
Sivankutty elucidated the shifting trends in hiring practices, emphasizing that companies now prefer individuals with pre-existing training and familiarity with the destination. “Previously, individuals would travel to foreign countries and learn the job on-site,” he explained. “However, today’s employers are seeking fully-trained professionals who are proficient in the local language, culture, and possess the requisite skills to hit the ground running from day one.”
The positions encompass a diverse range of fields, including doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and healthcare professionals. The ambitious goal is to meet these staffing requirements within the coming six months
To accommodate these demands, ODEPC is now offering additional language training to its recruits. “We have recently provided German and Dutch language lessons for those bound for Europe,” Sivankutty noted. “In the UAE, English proficiency was the norm among employers; however, there is now a growing demand for Arabic-speaking employees, so we are gearing up to support candidates in acquiring these language skills.” He highlighted the healthcare sector as the most sought-after field for recruitment, indicating that ODEPC has successfully placed healthcare professionals in various government agencies in the UAE.
In addition to the healthcare sector, ODEPC has been instrumental in recruiting skilled laborers, including plumbers, electricians, drivers, and security guards. The delegation has actively engaged with company representatives and conducted site visits to hospitals and schools to ensure the well-being of their recruits. Sivankutty shared that the employers hold a high regard for the recruits from Kerala, with some CEOs commending their dedication and trustworthiness, thereby cementing Kerala’s reputation as a reliable source of talent.
The delegation’s visit also included a stop at the WeOne headquarters in Jebal Ali Freezone (JAFZA), where discussions were held with representatives regarding the recruitment progress of 400 security guards from Kerala. Additionally, they visited the workplaces and accommodations of the first batch of employees who had recently arrived in Dubai, further strengthening the ties between Kerala and the UAE.
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