June 3, 2020
The SWADES database will help match the skill sets of Indian citizens with job opportunities.
Close to 7000 individuals have already registered on the SWADES platform for opportunities.
The returning citizens were mainly coming from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Qatar, and UAE.
Active dissemination of information on SWADES being conducted by the Vande Bharat initiative
The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the creation of a database mapping the skill sets and qualifications of Indian citizens returning from overseas amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Named SWADES (Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support), the database will help match the skill sets of these citizens with relevant job opportunities. As the first step, citizens will be required to fill the SWADES skill form available online. Opportunities for applicants will be allotted post discussions with Employers, Industry Associations, and State Governments.
Commenting on the initiative, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said “When we started Vande Bharat Mission, we observed that a lot of our overseas workers returning to India due to job losses, possess international skill sets and experience which can be of great value for domestic and international markets. To ensure dissemination of information on SWADES Skill Card, In-flight announcements are being made by Air India and Air Indian Express that are operating flights under the Vande Bharat Mission.” Relevant signage has been positioned across airports by the Airport Authority of India such that returning citizens can be made aware of this MSDE backed initiative.
Data gathered from the SWADES website reveals that close to 7,000 individuals have registered on the platform for opportunities. The top sectors of employment included Tourism & Hospitality, Automotive, Oil & Gas, and Construction. Data also revealed that most of the returning citizens were traveling from the Middle Eastern nations of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Qatar, and the UAE. The impact of the CoVid19 pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on the global economy thereby ushering in uncertainty in relation to employment prospects and remuneration among expatriate communities. With the ‘Vande Bharat’ mission and SWADES initiative, Indian citizens returning from abroad can expect governmental support through repatriation and potential opportunities for employment.