What is the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?
The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme (PPS) is a social welfare scheme launched by the Kerala government to provide financial assistance to NRI Keralites or Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) aged above 60 years.Â
This program operates under the administration of the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board, with funding sourced from the Pravasi Welfare Fund.
If you actively contribute to the Pravasi Welfare Fund as a member of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme, you are entitled to a minimum monthly pension (Pravasi Kshemanidhi) of Rs. 2,000 upon reaching the age of 60.Â
This provision serves as a crucial financial safety net for NRKs contemplating a return to Kerala from overseas, ensuring a guaranteed income during their retirement years.
What are the Features of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?
The key features of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme are mentioned in the table below:
| Particulars |
Features of Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme |
| Launched By |
Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala |
| Introduced On |
April 21, 2018 |
| Scheme Under the Act |
Keralites' Welfare Act, 2008 |
| Managed By |
Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board |
| Funded By |
Pravasi Kshemanidhi/ Pravasi Welfare Fund, Kerala |
| Entry Age |
19-60 years |
| Beneficiaries |
Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and their families |
| Monthly Contribution by Beneficiaries |
- Eligible NRKs who are working abroad: Pay Rs. 350 per month for a period of 5 years
- Eligible NRKs who are settled in Kerala: Pay monthly Rs. 200 for 5 years
- Eligible NRKs settled elsewhere in India: Pay monthly Rs. 200 for 5 years
|
| Pension Benefits |
- Monthly pension (Pravasi Kshemanidhi): Rs. 2,000 from the age of 60 years onwards
- Additional pension benefits for more than 5 years of contributions
- Minimum additional pension: Minimum 3% of entitled monthly pension of Rs. 2000
- Maximum additional pension: Up to twice of the entitled Rs. 2000
|
Contributions to the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme in AED
Since the UAE houses a large amount of Kerelite diaspora, the following table lists the contributions by NRKs, translated into AED. Note that the figures are approximate and not definite due to the changing value of currency.
| Category |
Contributions in INR |
Contributions in AED |
| One Time Registration Fee |
₹200 |
7.72 AED |
| Monthly Contribution by NRKs from abroad under Form 1A |
₹350 |
13.51 AED |
| Monthly Contribution by NRKs returned to India |
₹200 |
7.72 AED |
AED figures calculated at ₹25.90/AED as of August 2026; check a live converter for the current rate before making payments
Pravasi Pension vs. PPF vs. Gratuity: Which is Best for Retirement Planning?
End-of-service gratuity is a compulsory employee benefit which includes a lump-sum payment to eligible employees by the employer when their employment ends based on their basic salary and term of employment.
The following table differentiates between the Pravasi Pension Scheme, PPF and the end-of-service gratuity.
| Parameter |
Pravasi Pension Scheme |
PPF |
End of service gratuity |
| Who is it for? |
NRKs working abroad |
Resident Indians (NRIs can only continue existing accounts) |
Foreign employees working in the private sector in the UAE |
| Can an NRI open an account now? |
Yes. NRKs can open from anywhere in the world |
No, only residents can open. |
Automatically applies if eligibility criteria are met |
| Portability |
Fully manageable from abroad |
Contributions can be made via NRE/NRO/FCNR from abroad. |
Tied entirely to the employer. |
| Tax Treatment |
Taxable under standard indian tax rules. |
Interest and maturity are completely tax-free. |
Not taxed in the UAE |
Is End-of-Service Gratuity Enough for NRKs living in UAE?
For NRKs living in the UAE and working in the private sector, the end-of-service gratuity provides the payment of a lump sum amount based on their final basic salary. It is paid as a one-time payment and not as a pension. The end-of-service gratuity does not depend on the individual and changes as the employer changes. However, the base-level retirement benefits might not be enough due to the rising cost of living.
For a long-term retirement plan, NRKs are advised to supplement terminal benefits with a long-term pension plan, such as the PPF, private pension plans or the Pravasi Pension Scheme.
Wrapping It Up
The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme is a comprehensive social security scheme for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Keralites or the NRKs. It provides financial assistance to NRKs and their families in the event of retirement, death, disability, and other contingencies. The scheme is a valuable asset for NRKs and their families, and it helps to ensure that they have a secure future.