Foreign workers in Nepal mingle with locals to celebrate Dashain

KATHMANDU: Very few people believe if someone says that over 900,000 foreigners are working in Nepal for employment. But this is true.

Now, the question is: What do they do during Dashain, the greatest of Nepali Hindus?

According to the records maintained by the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety under the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security, foreigners come to Nepal to work in construction works, vegetables and fruit shops, painting, electricity, hotel, and other projects.

The foreigners who do not go back to their countries spend their holidays by mingling with the Nepalis here to celebrate the festival.

Talking to Khabarhub, Rajan Kalau Sah from Bihar State of India said he is planning to celebrate the Dashain festival with the Nepali people. Sah, who has been working as a labor in the field of construction for the last three years, usually celebrates the Dashain festival in his landlord’s house.

“It feels good to watch people walking on the road with Tika on their foreheads,” said Sah, adding, “I enjoy watching Dashain celebrations in Nepal. Nepali people observe the festival with gusto, which is quite unique in itself.” Sah is associated with Chhintang construction P. Pvt.

Similarly, Apaj Rahod, who has been staying in Nepal for the last five years, said he likes watching the celebrations rather than participating in the festivities.

“I have been working in a furniture factory for the last seven years. I enjoy watching the celebrations. Nepali people celebrate the festival with much gusto,” said Rahod.

Rajiv Panje, another migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh of India, is planning to celebrate the festival with the Nepali people.

However, he goes back to India to celebrate Deepawali. He works as an engineer in a hydro company.

Foreign citizens from over 56 countries including North Korea, India, America, France, Britain, China, have been working in Nepal with work permits.

Foreign citizens have been working in Nepal as teachers, pilots, engineers, station managers, nurses, project managers, country directors, and labors.

Migrant workers in Nepal include school teachers, engineers, company workers, and even country directors. According to the existing rules, companies are not allowed to recruit more than five percent foreign staffers.

The work permit is, however, not necessary for citizens who come to Nepal for employment from SAARC countries.