ROSHAN SEDHAI

The government is working to expand foreign employment related services through the branch offices of Department of Labour (DoL) across the country. The move is expected to relieve thousands of aspirant migrant workers from having to visit the Capital every day.

According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), preparations are underway to offer service from 10 DoL branch offices, including the one in Kathmandu. The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), the only frontline office based in Kathmandu, provides services to around 2,500 people every day. DoFE does not have branch outside Kathmandu where an estimated 95 percent of migrant workers are based. MoLE Secretary Bhola Prasad Shiwakoti said the ministry is preparing to start the service at the earliest.

“There is an urgent need to decentralise the service as the number of migrants is growing. It will save both time and money for people who are looking forward to go abroad for employment,” Shiwakoti said. The branch offices will be authorised to perform all works related to foreign employment.  Though MoLE is planning to start the service from DoL branch offices at earliest possible, officials said it could take some time.

Published on: 25 March 2015 | The Kathmandu Post