The number of Nepalis working as domestic helps abroad has crossed 160,000. This information was shared in the interaction programme titled 'Empowerment of Migrant Domestic Workers and Promoting Their Security and Rights' organized here on Sunday. The programme was organized by the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).

Similarly, there are 8,600 Nepali women and 50 men working as domestic helps in Lebanon alone.

Director General of the Department of Foreign Employment, Purna Chandra Bhattarai said home work is being done to open Nepali embassies in Bahrain, Lebanon and Oman. He called for cooperation from all sectors- the government and the private sector- for resolving the problems faced by the Nepali migrant workers.

Under Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Krishna Dawadi and Section Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bishal Bhattarai said the problem faced by the Nepali migrant workers abroad was serious and needed urgent action.

Dr Ganesh Gurung presented a working paper on the occasion. Different labour union leaders including Sita Lama, Meena Gurung, Rajendra Shrestha and Sushila Shrestha commented on the working paper and elucidated the problems faced by the Nepali workers abroad.

Published on: 5 June 2012 | Republica