The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) has scrapped the long-standing “syndicate” in health check-ups for migrant workers.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the MoLESS said it has initiated a process to allow more hospitals that meet the required criteria to provide such services. This will allow migrant workers to undergo medical tests at government-owned or government-approved health institutions instead of a limited number of facilities.
Although the Foreign Employment Act, 2064 BS and its regulations mandate health tests at approved institutions, services had been restricted in practice, leading to allegations of a syndicate. Previously, a limited number of private institutions handled tests for destinations such as Malaysia and Gulf countries, charging a fixed fee of Rs 6,600 and drawing complaints over high costs and lack of choice.
