On-Site Support Systems for Nepalese Migrant Workers Abroad, 2016
— April 13, 2018
The Ministry of Labour and Employment is the apex body that governs labour administration and management including foreign employment. The unit that looks into foreign employment is the Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE). Meanwhile, the Foreign Employment Promotion Board which is chaired by the Minister of Labour & Employment, implements promotional activities for foreign employment and to ensure the social protection and welfare of migrant workers. Support services provided by Nepalese embassies abroad are carried out under the management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although there are some strong formal support mechanisms in place, ( welfare fund, shelters, and labor attachés) there are still gaps to be filled. Awareness for the supports available, an inconsistency in the services that embassies provide, and a lack of redress for workers are all areas that require improvement.
Note: Countries presented are the top 5 destination countries for Nepalese migrant workers which are also the top 5 destination countries for female migrant workers. S. Korea was included because of the government-to-government agreement on Employment Permit System which the two countries signed that guarantees good wages and good working conditions. Other key destination countries for female migrant workers include Lebanon, Cyprus, Oman, Korea & Bahrain.
Meanwhile, statistics only represents the number of migrant workers who received work permits from DOFE between fiscal years 2008/09 to 2014/15.