Experts and officials in foreign employment sector urged the government to start structural reforms for safe migration.

Current structure of Department of Foreign Employment cannot handle all issues and challenges of the sector, they said in an interaction organised today to mark International Migration Day that falls on December 18.

There are dozens of challenges to safeguard foreign employment sector, said an expert and coordinator of high-level committee — formed by the government to suggest reform in the sector — Dr Ganesh Gurung.

“Structure of the department is not sufficient to solve current problems and challenges,” he said. Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has formed the committee three months ago to advice short and long-term measures to reform the sector.

According to Dr Gurung, they are thinking to develop foreign employment authority like in Sri Lanka. “We are thinking of more effective body than the current department,” he added.

“Structural reform is a good idea, which can change service delivery system along with protection of migrant workers,” agreed Minister for Labour and Transport Management Sarita Giri.

Cheating from outsourcing agencies and their agents, undocumented migration via India and exploitation and abuse from employer are major challenges in the sector.

The government has not concentrated in rescue of migrant workers from problem providing legal aids and other supports. About 22 per cent migrants are facing job related problems while seven per cent are exploited.

Published on: 17 December 2011 | The Himalayan Times