EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Engagement of Legal Consultants – Pravasi Legal Aid Cell (PLAC) NORKA-ROOTS, Government of Kerala

1. Scope of Work

Pravasi Legal Aid Cell (PLAC) was established to provide legal assistance and advice to distressed NRKs facing legal issues in GCC and listed Countries with regard to passports, visas, employment, social matters, legal cases and for those who are imprisoned in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries without willful default.

Many Keralites who are unaware of the legal procedures and language in their host countries face difficulties due to fake agents or employers, and some unintentionally become illegal workers by accepting jobs without valid documents or overstaying their visas. Without timely legal assistance, such workers often face imprisonment and hardship in foreign countries. The Pravasi Legal Aid Cell (PLAC) seeks to address these issues by extending appropriate legal support through qualified legal experts. The Cell also undertakes legal awareness programmes, provides translation and documentation assistance, and works in coordination with Malayalee Associations and Cultural Organisations abroad to support distressed Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs)

2.  Objective

To empanel qualified NORKA Legal Consultants in the selected regions in GCC and listed countries to assist and support the objectives of the Pravasi Legal Aid Cell Scheme.

3. Number of Positions ( Countries / Regions)

4.  Eligibility Criteria
   • Must be a native of Kerala and familiar with the regional language of the respective country.
   • Any advocate registered with Bar Council of India with proficiency in Malayalam and experience in handling legal matters in host country shall be eligible
   • Must be a member of a law firm in the residing country for at least 2 years.

6.  Terms and Conditions

• • Honorarium: ₹1,20,000 per annum (paid quarterly), inclusive of all expenses such as travel, communication, and office costs.
  • Case Fee: ₹10,000 per case Settled entrusted by NORKA Roots, payable quarterly upon case settlement.
  • Contract Period: Two years, extendable for an additional term (not exceeding two years) based on performance and mutual agreement.
  • Agreement: The selected consultant must execute a formal agreement with NORKA Roots.

Selection will be conducted by a committee comprising representatives from the Home Department, Law Department, and NORKA Department, chaired by the CEO, NORKA Roots or his nominee.

7.  Selection Process of NORKA Legal Consultants (NLC)

The selection of NORKA Legal Consultants will be carried out through a transparent and merit-based process as detailed below:

1.  Scrutiny of Applications

All Expressions of Interest received will be scrutinized to ensure completeness and eligibility in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Applications found incomplete or not meeting the eligibility requirements will be rejected.

2.  Shortlisting

Eligible applicants will be shortlisted based on the merit of their educational qualifications, professional experience in the host country, and relevant legal exposure.

The shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Online Interview conducted by NORKA Roots.

3.  Evaluation by Selection Committee

A Selection Committee comprising representatives from the Home Department, Law Department, and NORKA Department, chaired by the Chief Executive Officer, NORKA Roots (or his nominee) , will evaluate the shortlisted candidates based on their qualifications, professional experience, and performance in the online interview.

4.  Ranking and Panel Formation

Based on the evaluation by the Selection Committee, candidates will be ranked in order of merit for each region. A panel of three advocates will be constituted for each region. The top-ranked candidate will be appointed a s NORKA Legal Consultant.The remaining two will be empanelled for case-wise legal engagement on a fee-per-case settled basis, without monthly honorarium

5.  Approval and Appointment

The panel recommended by the Selection Committee shall be approved by the Chief Executive Officer, NORKA Roots. Following the issuance of the appointment orders, the selected candidates shall execute the prescribed agreement. The appointment shall take effect only upon execution of the agreement

 (vi) Publication of Results

The final list of selected and empanelled candidates will be published on the official website of NORKA Roots.

8.  Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI)

Interested candidates are invited to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Google Form available at:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjhDUHINec0_9zRkv2jnJPoZe1nOyLKFgKVPokniAn9yo1lQ/viewform?usp=header