Coordinated Meeting Concluded to Resolve Problems of Nepali Workers in the Gulf and Malaysia

A coordinated meeting on the subject of 'Resolving the problems of Nepali workers in foreign employment in the Gulf countries and Malaysia' has concluded.

The meeting was organized under the Migrants Rights and Decent Work (MiRiDeW) Phase–II, NRNA–ILO Project Initiative, which is being jointly operated in collaboration between the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The meeting, held at the NRNA Secretariat in Baluwatar, saw the participation of representatives from more than 30 organizations, including various ministries and departments of the Government of Nepal, governmental and non-governmental organizations, bodies related to foreign employment, workers' unions, experts, and policy researchers.

Stakeholders participating in the program presented their views on the major problems faced by Nepali workers in the Gulf countries and Malaysia, such as:

• Diplomatic relations
• Violation of bilateral labor agreements
• Issues related to non-receipt of salary and benefits
• Health and safety challenges
• Affiliation with the Social Security Fund
• Worker protection mechanisms and existing weaknesses

The meeting emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration and coordination among government bodies, NRNA, and other stakeholder organizations to ensure workers' rights and to create a safe, dignified, and respectable employment environment for Nepalis going for foreign employment.

The meeting committed to preparing a joint action plan in the coming days for policy reforms related to foreign employment, worker empowerment, and the protection of their rights and interests.

NRNA President Dr. Badri K.C., Vice President (Women) Rojina Pradhan Rai, Co-Treasurer Krishna Timalsina, Advisor Atul Koirala, and others also shared their views on the existing situation and its mitigation. In a different context, President Dr. 

Badri K.C. stated that the government should not delay in providing the issues, services, and facilities that foreign employment workers or self-employed Nepalis abroad and Non-Resident Nepalis are entitled to as stipulated in the constitution, and that stakeholders should also urge the government on this matter.