The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA) has raised strong objections to a 10-point set of criteria sent by the Malaysian government through the Nepali Embassy. The association claims the new requirements aim to create a syndicate in Malaysia-bound employment and permit only a limited number of agencies to operate.
Issuing a statement, NAFEA General Secretary Mahesh Kumar Basnet said the decision by the Malaysian government would encourage syndicate practices, favor a select few, undermine fair competition and transparency, and violate the fundamental right to engage in business. He warned that such a move could create a monopolized market, which Nepal’s Constitution and laws explicitly prohibit.
NAFEA also stated that all Nepali recruitment agencies licensed by the government are operating under legal procedures, and any attempt to benefit a small group of agencies would eventually increase financial burdens on Nepali migrant workers. The association urged all foreign employment agencies to unite against what it calls a syndicate-forming attempt.
