Migrant Worker: Orientation not on par with standard
In the backdrop of increasing misuse of orientation certificate, the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) has accelerated the number of its surprise checkups at various authorised orientation centres in the Kathmandu Valley.
It is mandatory for migrant workers to acquire pre-departure orientation course in order to be eligible to work in foreign country.
During its surprise inspection carried out on Monday, the department found that many such classes are not still abiding by its set guidelines. During the inspection of five centres, the team found that most of the centre clearly lacked resources and manpower. In some centres, even some enlisted students were not found to have attended the class.
In Rajinish Orientation Centre, there were 35 students in the class while the centre record shows that they have admitted 43 for the day. The centre was also found to have employed untrained tutors. The department has frequented its surprise inspection since last few months and has suspended seven orientation centres for not abiding by the set rules. Officials said they are still far away from ensuring workers’ get proper orientation.
“They perform well when we keep inspecting but once we stop it the problem starts surfacing again,” said Purna Chandra Bhattarai, DoFE director general.
Many female workers going to Malaysia and Kuwait told the Post that the recruiting company is charging exorbitant fee from them, more than Rs 80,000 set by the government.
“The manpower has asked me to pay Rs 110,000 for Malaysia,” Sunaina Tamang of Dharan-14, which is echoed by many other workers. The workers said they are paying higher fee to Gurung Management, Khumbu Overseas, Anjali and some other manpower.
“We will ask for clarification from manpower companies named by the workers,” said Bhattarai. Workers can easily buy orientation certificate for Rs 700 while they have to pay Rs 1,000 after undergoing the course. Purna Bahadur Malla, chairman of Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Orientation Agencies accepted that over 60 percent of orientation centres are not following the prescribed guideline.
“The association has been also trying its best to curb anomalies through self-regulation,” said Malla. Due to easy availability of such certificate in a relatively cheaper price, many workers do not think it necessary to attend the two-day class which provide them essential information like the process involved in safe migration, document workers need to accompany, custom and tradition of the destination country, and where to contact in case of trouble.
Published on: 19 March 2013 | The Kathmandu Post
GET IN TOUCH