Migrant rights activists have urged the government to expand its diplomatic presence in Gulf countries — Oman, Bahrain and Lebanon — to protect housemaids who are a vulnerable group. About 100,000 Nepalis, including 40,000 women, are believed to be working in these countries.

The country must adopt labour diplomacy principle for Gulf countries as 2.5 million people are in the region. Expansion of diplomatic presence in the region is crucial for safeguarding migrant workers, said programme manager at UN Women Saru Joshi. “The country needs immediate diplomatic presence in Oman, Bahrain and Lebanon,” she said, adding that the countries are major job markets for Nepali women.

Currently, the country has diplomatic missions in four major destinations — Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. There is no diplomatic presence in Bahrain, Oman and Lebanon. Other Gulf-based embassies have been looking after the countries.

Government wants to promote labour diplomacy but political turmoil and bureaucratic hurdles are obstructing it, said chief secretary Leela Mani Poudyal. “We have held discussions for opening an embassy in Oman but there is no plan for Bahrain and Lebanon,” he said, referring to proposal from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

“MoFA is not interested in expanding diplomatic missions in Gulf and is giving priority to Europe and Latin America,” he said. “This has been a problem these days.” Ministry has appointed additional under secretary level officers at Saudi embassy. They were appointed to support labour diplomacy. “MoFA has a logic that there is already an undersecretary, so an additional undersecretary will cause portfolio tussle,” he said.

Migration expert Dr Ganesh Gurung said an additional undersecretary will not be a problem if appointed with a special mandate to look after labour diplomacy.

Published on: 14 January 2013 | The Himalayan Times