Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed the ministers and secretaries to work effectively to resolve the problems facing migrant workers.

During a discussion held at Prime Minister's Office on existing problems of migrant workers, PM Dahal directed the related ministers and secretaries to conduct study on problems of the Nepali people working abroad, collect relevant data.

"Different work destinations may have different sorts of problems," he said adding that number of people on foreign job needs to be identified. Similarly, data on types of jobs they are involved is equally important. Status of documented and undocumented labor should be prepared, according to PM.

The PM further viewed other areas as growing trends of migrant workers in the last decade and legal provisions in different country for migrant workers could be helpful to resolve problems in this sector.

He urged all sides concerned to make labour migration more systematic and transparent. "It is because our country is poor. If our country was rich, we could bring in foreign labourers. We should be concentrated on making our country self sufficient and prosperous, PM Dahal underscored.

A Chief Secretary-led taskforce has been formed after the discussion to collect real data on labour migration. The members of the taskforce are secretaries from ministries of finance, labour and foreign affairs.

After conducting the study, the government is to hold a broader workshop on migrant workers from September 10 to 12. The event would have participation of Nepalis ambassadors to various countries. The event will further prepare a strategy and plan to solve the problems.

The discussion was attended by deputy prime ministers, ministers, and chief secretary, secretaries and Director General of Foreign Employment Department.

Published on: 25 August 2023 | The Himalayan Times