The first batch of workers are currently undertaking classes in various training centres of the Capital. The training include house cleaning, cooking, skills to use various household equipment and so on. “We hope to train all workers by the end of Chaitra. Around 250 persons have already completed the course,” said FEPB Managing Director Sthneshwor Devkota. According to FEPB, 99 percent of the trainees are male and most of the trainee intend to go to the Gulf countries.  

 

Stakeholders say such training will help equip workers with vital skills. “In the past, workers were forced to recoup for the mistake they committed due to lack of knowledge. There are evidence of many workers paying compensation for damaging vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens etc. This training will help them work safely and efficiently,” said Devkota. The board has been spending Rs 5,300 on each worker through its welfare fund. It has authorised 14 centres to run the training programme. 

 

The government charges each migrant worker Rs 1,500 before they leave for the destination countries for employment and uses the workers’ welfare fund for their betterment.“We hope to give such training to around 1,000 persons this year with required budget been readies. Admission of female migrant workers is discouraging,” said an official.The government estimates around 2.2 million Nepalis are working as migrant workers in various countries.