Labor Ministry forms committee to review decisions made by outgoing minister

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security has formed a three-member committee to evaluate the implementation of a 17-point directive issued by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Previously, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers had issued these directives to the ministry, which were not acted upon by the outgoing minister.

The newly appointed minister, Dor Prasad Aryal, has tasked a committee, led by Joint Secretary Govinda Prasad Rijal, with studying the implementation of these directives and reviewing opaque and contested decisions made by the outgoing minister.

The committee has been given 21 days to submit a comprehensive report after examining the Prime Minister’s directives, various media reports, laborer grievances, and stakeholder concerns.

In a press statement, the ministry stated that further actions would be taken based on the committee’s report.

Among the issues to be examined by the committee are the fees for pre-departure orientation training for foreign employment, English proficiency requirements for skilled migrant laborers, and the E7 Korean Visa, among others.

Previously, PM Dahal had instructed the ministry to refrain from making decisions that financially burden migrant laborers and to halt the implementation of such decisions if already made.

Additionally, the Prime Minister had directed the ministry to provide free orientation training for migrant workers.