KATHMANDU: The Department of Foreign Employment has abolished the token system and has started issuing work permits within a single day.
Director General Mira Acharya shared this update during a press conference on Friday, stating that the department has taken several measures to make foreign employment safe, organized, and dignified, and to protect the rights of Nepali workers following the formation of the current government.
She said the Department issued a notice, warning that any foreign employment-related work carried out without a license will be subject to action under Section 10 of the Foreign Employment Act, 2064.
Addressing complaints that the forms used by licensed manpower companies during interviews are only in English—forcing workers to sign without understanding—Acharya said arrangements are being made to provide forms in Nepali or bilingually in Nepali and English. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in legal action.
The Department had also issued a notice earlier cautioning individuals and organizations against acting in the name of rescuing foreign workers without proper authorization, stating such activities violate the Foreign Employment Act.
The orientation training fee has been capped at Rs 700, and any institution charging more will automatically lose its training license.
To enhance transparency, CC cameras have been installed in the staff offices, allowing the Director General’s office to monitor employee work in real time. This move aligns with instructions from the Chief Secretary.
Software development is underway to digitize all registered cases in the department. Once implemented, cases of foreign employment fraud registered at the District Administration Office will also be linked to the department. A proposal to amend the Foreign Employment Act, 2064 has been submitted to the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security.
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