The government is soon simplifying the process of obtaining work permit for foreign workers as complaints over delays in processing of visa applications continue to rise. If things go according to plan, the new system dubbed ´integrated standard´, will be put into place in a few weeks time.

"Basically, different ministries have to work in coordination for that to happen," Bishnu Dhakal, under secretary at the Ministry of Industry (MoI), said. "The Industrial Promotion Division (IPD) at the ministry is taking the lead in making this happen."

The government´s latest move is expected to assist foreign workers joining Nepal-based multinational and joint venture companies, who are said to be facing problems acquiring work permits due to lack of one-window system.

As of now, the IPD, entrusted with the task of encouraging and facilitating domestic and foreign investors bringing in investment to the country, has started consultations with other concerned ministries in a bid to develop an ´integrated standard´ for visa process. "Once the system is in place foreign workers will be able to obtain and renew visa in short period of time," Dhakal said.

Currently, foreign workers have to get approval from the Labor Department and the Ministry of Home (MoH) to be eligible to work in Nepal. Although the MoI and the Department of Industry (DoI) coordinates with the MoH and the labor department to expedite the application process of workers, these foreigners still have to wait for at least two weeks to get a work permit.

In some cases, foreign workers have even waited for months to obtain the permit. "We are trying to shorten this period so that foreign workers do not have to face hassles while trying to acquire work visa," Dhakal said. The latest attempt stems from the government´s endeavor to lure foreign direct investment (FDI) by improving all the possible areas.

"There are instances when officials doubt the motive of applicants which create delays," Dhakal said. "But the innocents should not be punished for the acts of fruadsters.”

Despite the government´s multiple tasks, the FDI inflow has come down by 30 percent during the fiscal year 2011/12 compared to a year earlier and reached Rs 7.14 billion, as per the statistics compiled at the DoI.

Published on: 3 November 2012 | Republica