KATHMANDU: A joint meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and Labor and Employment was held today to coordinate efforts in resolving the challenges faced by Nepalis in foreign employment and the country’s immigration sector.
The meeting, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Arzu Rana, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Labor and Employment Minister Sharad Singh Bhandari, and secretaries from the respective ministries.
Discussions focused on organizing Nepal’s labor and immigration policies more effectively. Rana, who convened the meeting, highlighted the lack of government tracking regarding the whereabouts and conditions of Nepalis abroad for employment, study, or other purposes.
She pointed out that the government often only becomes aware of their situation when they require rescue.
Addressing the issue of undocumented labor migration, Rana noted that despite the ban imposed by the Nepal government, many Nepali women continue to reach Middle Eastern countries as domestic workers through illegal channels.
Citing reports that approximately 48,000 Nepali women have reached Kuwait alone, she stressed that restrictive policies have failed to prevent such movements and urged the government to reconsider lifting such bans.
“Even though the government has legally stopped it, Nepalis are still finding illegal ways to go abroad. Why should we keep such impractical provisions?” she questioned.
She also suggested easing labor permit procedures, strengthening oversight of visit visa approvals, and formulating clear guidelines for the rescue of Nepalis in distress abroad.
Home Minister Lekhak echoed the need to amend the Foreign Employment Act, 2007, to align with current realities. He praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for taking the initiative to coordinate efforts in addressing the challenges within the foreign employment sector.
Labor and Employment Minister Bhandari underscored the importance of labor diplomacy for Nepal, emphasizing the need to renew labor permits for domestic workers and make them more practical.
He revealed that Nepalis are currently working in 110 countries and acknowledged that despite restrictions, domestic workers continue to seek opportunities abroad through unauthorized routes. He suggested that the existing policies should be reviewed in light of these realities.
The meeting also discussed the difficulties faced in rescuing Nepalis abroad when they encounter crises, highlighting the lack of sufficient resources, manpower, and logistical support for timely intervention. The ministers agreed on the need for better coordination and policy reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of Nepalis working overseas.
Comment