Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 18 (IANS): More than 500 Kerala nurses, who lost their jobs and had to return from Iraq and Libya, appeared for an interview here Tuesday before representatives of five Middle East-based hospitals.

P. Sudeep, CEO of Roots Norka, the state agency that looks after the welfare of the Kerala diaspora, told IANS that this was part of an assurance given by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to the nurses after their return.

"The interviews are currently going on and there will be no charges for those who are selected for the jobs. These hospital groups have offered jobs in most of the Middle East countries and also at their hospitals in the country," said Sudeep.

He said the salary range from Rs.70,000 to 90,000 for those nurses who have a graduate nursing qualification and some experience.

Those nurses who have just a general nursing qualification are being offered Rs.40,000 to Rs 60,000. And those nurses who opt for a job in the country will get Rs.18,000, Sudeep added.

Earlier in the day, Chandy addressed the nurses and said his government was committed to its promise of providing them help.

Chandy has already initiated steps for one time settlements on educational loans the nurses took and banks have agreed to write off all interests.

Sudeep said the hospital representatives were confident of giving jobs to the nurses.

"We are told the processing of papers for visas will commence very soon and it will take around 45 days before these nurses can travel to their work place," said Sudeep.