Government Launches SWADES Initiative To Map Skill Set Of Indians Returning From Abroad  

In a major development, the government of India has launched a skill-mapping exercise of the citizens returning to the country under SWADES (Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support) initiative, reports Economic Times.

The exercise, conducted under Vande Bharat Mission, is a joint initiative by the ministries of skill development & entrepreneurship, civil aviation and external affairs.

It aims to create a database of qualified citizens, and utilise their skill sets and experience to fulfil the demands of Indian and foreign companies. This information will be shared with with the companies for suitable placement opportunities in the country.

Notably, the maximum citizens have returned from UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. They were primarily employed in sectors including oil and gas, automotive, aviation, tourism, hospitality, IT and ITeS and construction.

It should be noted that the returnees will be required to fill up a SWADES skill form under the programme, based on which SWADES skill cards will be issued.

“The card will facilitate a strategic framework to provide the returning citizens with suitable employment opportunities through discussions with key stakeholders including state governments, industry associations and employers,” the skills development ministry was quoted as saying in the report.