Targeting thousands of migrant workers working illegally in Afghanistan, the Department of Foreign Employment has started issuing work permits to the workers seeking to go to the country for the second time.

The new provision, however, is only applicable to the Nepali migrant workers working for government bodies and diplomatic missions in Afghanistan.The decision to issue the permits to workers working in ‘comparatively safer work environment’ was taken few months ago. However, due to the authority’s failure to disseminate the information, most of the people have been taking illegal means.Issuing a notice, the department has appealed to the homecoming workers on work leave to follow the due legal process while returning back to work. According to the provision, anyone will be given the work approval upon submission of identity cards and documents that would establish their association with UN bodies, diplomatic and security missions.

“Anyone working in the ‘green zones’ will be eligible for the labour approval,” said the department’s Director General Purna Chandra Bhattarai, adding that the department would also renew the work permits of those who have returned home for the festivals. “But we have not issued the permit to those going to the country for the first time through personal channels.”The ‘green zones’ include organisations such as the United Nation, its subordinate organisations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) barracks and foreign embassies.The government has partially opened Afghanistan for migrant workers, depending on the safety and security of their work.

An estimated 25,000 Nepalis are currently engaged in comparatively safer work in the country. The department record shows a total of 823 documented migrant workers left the country for Afghanistan last fiscal year. Most Nepalis enter Afghanistan on tourist visa via India and the United Arab Emirates.Despite the potential security threat, the war-torn country has been one of the most sought after labour destinations for Nepali migrant workers. According to the workers, salary in Afghanistan is much better compared to other countries in the Gulf and the Middle East.

Published On: 20 October 2012 | The Kathmandu Post