The number of unskilled and skilled emigrants going to the Gulf countries through government’s recruitment agencies has dropped drastically post State bifurcation.
While in 2013-14, over 200 persons had emigrated through the State government controlled, cost effective, Omcap (Overseas Manpower Company Andhra Pradesh Limited), but after June 2014, the twin governments could pick, train and send just about 15 persons from Telangana and 32 from Andhra Pradesh to the Gulf.
In 2010-11, the number of people to emigrate through Omcap was as high as 950, officials said.
At present, as Omcap’s controls rest solely with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Government of Telangana has formed its own emigration recruitment agency, Telangana Overseas Manpower Company (Tomcop). However, the two agencies have, so far, not exercised their hand freely as bifurcation had prevented Omcap from getting a full-fledged team and Tomcop from procuring a recruitment licence from the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.
Most emigrants who apply for aid to the two agencies are those from socio-economically backward communities of districts including East and West Godavari, Kadapa and Vizag in Andhra Pradesh and Karimnagar, Warangal and Nizamabad in Telangana.
As the government agencies charge just nominal amounts for recruitment to Gulf companies, several candidates belonging to poor socio-economic backgrounds have been waiting for the recruitment process to get back to track. While Tomcop had charged no amount from its recruits last year, Omcap had charged just about Rs. 5,000 per candidate.
The year-long delay in recruitment process was the direct result of the time-taking process of dividing assets, officials said. The assets were divided amicably only in May.
“All of Omcap’s former team is with the newly-formed company. We are yet to build a team. Though we have 600 vacancies pending, we have not yet started the process,” said K.V. Swamy, General Manager, Omcap. Meanwhile, as the recruitment licence still rests with Omcap, even Tomcop had not done well in terms of numbers. “Protector of Emigration has made it clear that we need to apply for a new licence. Once that process is over, we hope to recruit at least 100 candidates this year,” said K. Bhawani, General Manager of the company who had managed to send 15 persons using the old licence.
Expansion plans
Omcap is planning to shift its nodal office to Vijayawada as the company is left with no office now in Hyderabad. The company is expected to have a liaison office in the city even after relocation. Tomcop, however, is expecting a full fledged expansion plan that includes awareness drives, employer meets, migrant resource centres and oversees skill training, Ms. Bhavani said.
