Ongoing talks between the government and foreign employment firms have become inconclusive as both the parties are refusing to budge from their stance on implementation of 'minimum cost system'.

While the representatives of Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA) have been insisting that the 'minimum cost system' be put on hold for few months to form a taskforce for studying implementation of such system, Minister for State Gurung is against deferring implementation of the system.

Participants of the talks, however, said the dialogue was finally heading toward positive direction. "Both the parties have agreed on most of the points of the 33-point demand. We, however, have disagreement on the 'minimum cost system'. Any final deal with the ministry will be on a package that includes agreement on the most contentious issue of minimum cost system," Rohan Gurung, general secretary of NAFEA, said.

Gurung also said they have been requesting the government to form a taskforce to study pros and cons of minimum cost system. "Until that time, we can put implementation of minimum cost system on hold. The ministry, however, has proposed to go on a study in labor receiving countries and talk with the companies and government there about the implementation of the system. The Minister for State's s reluctance to suspend the system briefly has been holding back the agreement," Gurung added.

Meanwhile, Minister for State Gurung said foreign employment firms have been pushing for a rise in their service charge by Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 if the minimum cost system is implemented. "However, I cannot make compromise on any issue that puts additional financial burden on the workers," he told Republica. "I have told them that I would not cancel or suspend the decision. I, however, have proposed them to go on a study trip in labor receiving countries for their convenience in implementing the decision. I am ready to make any concessions if needed following the study."

Leaders of foreign employment firms, however, denied State Minister's claim of demand in service charge hike. "We have challenged the fundamental aspect of the system. We have asked about the ministry's roadmap for implementation of the decision. There are many practical difficulties. What if workers choose not to go for foreign employment at last moment even if a company sends air tickets? Who is going to bear the loss?" Kumud Khanal, senior vice president of NAFEA, questioned. "Minister for State Gurung's claim that we asked for increment in service charge is baseless."

Foreign employment agencies have stopped sending workers to destination countries from last Wednesday to pile pressure on the ministry to withdraw its decision. The ministry had introduced the provision for Malaysia as well as Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait. If the provision is implemented, aspiring migrant works will have to pay only Rs 17,000 for medical test fees, insurance and the amount to be deposited at the Foreign Employment Promotion Board (FEPB).

Published on: 18 July 2015 | Republica