The number of Nepalis joining foreign job markets has doubled in the last five years due to the growing uncertainty and lack of employment opportunities at home.

Data from the Department of Foreign Employment reveals that some 530,250 Nepalis migrated to foreign countries in search of greener pastures last fiscal year while the number was 249,051 in fiscal year 2007-08. About 354,543 Nepalis had migrated for jobs in fiscal year 2010-11.

Youth aged between 18-39 years have migrated to foreign countries for employment. “Migration is rapidly increasing in recent years as there is no opportunity for youths here. It is the result of the government’s indifference towards creating employment programmes,” said labour expert Dr Chiranjivi Nepal.

It seems that without strong efforts, the trend will not stop in the near future. “It is because there has been no programme to retain them in the country till date,” said Nepal, adding that it is time to be serious about the issue.

Authorities also feel that the dependency on foreign employment should be reduced immediately. However, the government does not have effective plans and programmes to retain the migrant workers. “The country will not develop through its dependency on foreign jobs. But there is no option here,” said director at the department Kashiraj Dahal.

Therefore, the Department of Foreign Employment has emphasised on regularising the sector and reducing fraud. “We have been significantly successful in implementing the 30-point reform suggested by the high level committee,” said Dahal, citing the positive example of job stickers.

Department of Foreign Employment has been pasting details of workers and employers including the sending agency on the stickers since March.

Similarly, the department has reduced face-to-face interactions between outsourcing agencies or their agents, and government officials.

Despite the change, fraudulent activities have been increasing, challenging the reforms. Last year, about 2,172 fraud cases were recorded at the department while the number of fraud cases was 1,204 a year back.

“It shows that there is an urgent need to strengthen regulating agencies and motivate them to control fraud,” said Nepal, commenting on the increasing trend of fraudulent activities. But the ultimate solution is in creating opportunities and generating jobs in the country, he added.

Published on: 23 July 2012 | The Himalayan Times