SHILLONG, July 22: A total of 61 nurses from Meghalaya have secured overseas placements in Japan and Singapore under the state’s international employment programme Mission Moon, while another 30 candidates are currently undergoing language training in preparation for placement in Germany.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS), was launched in March 2023 to connect trained professionals from the state particularly in the healthcare sector with global job opportunities. It was introduced in response to the worldwide shortage of skilled healthcare workers, with the World Health Organization estimating a demand gap of over 13 million nurses globally.
To support this effort, the state government committed financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per selected candidate to cover the costs of preparatory training. This includes language proficiency, cultural orientation, and skill enhancement aligned with international job market standards.
The push gained momentum with the Overseas Nursing Job Fair held in August 2023, where aspiring nurses interacted directly with international recruitment agencies. Building on the success of that event, MSSDS organised a wider Overseas Job Fair in 2024 in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI), expanding the focus beyond healthcare to include other growing sectors.
Despite the progress, officials acknowledge that the overseas placement effort is still at an early stage. With over 1,000 registered nurses in the state awaiting employment, the government has set a target to place between 500 and 1,000 candidates abroad in the next two years. Intensive training programmes are being rolled out to meet international standards and ensure candidates are equipped to handle the demands of global employment.
While challenges remain, particularly in ensuring long-term support for those placed abroad, the initiative represents a shift in Meghalaya’s approach to skill development linking local talent with international labour markets and opening new pathways for professional growth.
