KATHMANDU: Despite earlier political claims that Nepali youths would not need to seek foreign employment, the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has moved to further simplify and expand overseas job opportunities.
Leaders and cadres of the Rastriya Swatantra Party had earlier claimed that improved domestic conditions would reduce the need for foreign employment. However, recent decisions suggest a shift toward managing rather than limiting overseas labor migration.
The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has confirmed reforms, including scrapping the token system for labor approvals and introducing same-day approval for applications.
Minister Deepak Kumar Sah has also decided to expand bilateral labor agreements with five additional countries, while initiating updates to existing labor laws to make them more relevant to current needs.
Acknowledging the country’s economic realities, the government has opted to open more avenues for foreign employment even as it works to improve domestic opportunities.
A recent meeting chaired by Minister Sah also decided to implement the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda approved by the Cabinet, with a focus on making foreign employment processes more efficient and worker-friendly.
The ministry has been directed to prepare minimum standards ensuring the safety, fair wages, and workplace conditions of Nepali workers abroad.
In addition, plans have been introduced to promote skill development training, organize skill fairs across all provinces in collaboration with the private sector, and boost domestic employment opportunities.
The government has also emphasized improving service delivery, controlling fraud linked to foreign employment, and using information technology to streamline processes.
Further measures include shifting pre-departure orientation training to a fully online system, developing audio-visual materials, enforcing minimum wage provisions, and expanding enrollment in the contribution-based Social Security Fund.
The ministry stated that programs will also focus on occupational health and safety in industries, strengthening the labor helpline, and promoting entrepreneurship and productivity to create jobs within the country.
Comment