Kerala’s former finance minister and ruling-CPM leader Dr Thomas Isaac on Friday shared job opportunities for young Malayalis at Apple’s upcoming assembly line in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, outlining eligibility, contract terms, salary, and benefits.

Dr Isaac’s Facebook post on Friday serves as a guide for ITI-qualified candidates—or those with KGTE plus two—willing to relocate to Hosur. “Job is ready” for those prepared to travel, he wrote.

According to Dr Isaac, the first 300 candidates will be flagged off by the Kerala Chief Minister in January 11. Six buses have been arranged by the state government to transport the candidates, he said.

He added that the state’s ‘Vijnana Keralam: A People’s Campaign’ team visited the factory to oversee preparations. Dr Isaac explained that employment for the first year will be on a contractual basis. Subsequently, 70–80% of workers may transition to five-year fixed-term employment, while others can continue on contract if they prefer. He also shared details about salary and additional benefits.

Dr Isaac encouraged interested candidates to contact the nearest job station.

 

Divided reactions on social media

The Facebook post has sparked debate online. Critics argue that Kerala’s low industrialisation limits local jobs, making it unfair to expect youth to relocate for relatively low wages. Some described the move as “shameless,” noting that helpers in other states earn much more per day. Others highlighted systemic employment challenges, comparing Kerala’s situation with other states and countries.

A contrasting view pointed out that promoting employment outside the state is not unusual. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin have encouraged Indians to seek jobs in other regions or abroad.