MoLESS Expands Labor Opportunities for Nepali Workers
The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security (MoLESS) is actively working to establish new labor destinations for Nepali workers, with bilateral agreements in progress with Oman and Spain. Following high-level discussions, the draft agreement with Oman is awaiting government approval, while negotiations with Spain are being finalized through correspondence.
Kabiraj Upreti, an information officer at MoLESS, noted that alongside renewing agreements with Malaysia, Qatar, and South Korea, new agreements with Oman and Spain are on track. The zero-cost labor agreement with Malaysia, a key destination, is set to expire on October 28, five years after its signing. Renewals for Qatar and South Korea are also in progress.
In his first 100 days, Labor Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari reported significant advancements, including the completion of workplace-based security insurance for workers. The ministry aims to restructure the Employment Program for better disaster management and enhance social security benefits, including increased compensation for families of workers who have died abroad.
MoLESS is forming task forces to improve health check-ups for returning workers and to restructure the social security fund. The ministry has exceeded its registration goals for employers and contributors to the fund.
Additionally, efforts are underway to establish immigrant resource centers in 33 more districts, expanding access to information on foreign employment. The ministry is also focusing on building vocational training centers in Madhesh Province and facilitating loans for workers seeking overseas jobs.
Lastly, the ministry is preparing for operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara, ensuring labor approvals from these locations, while updating regulations to provide compensation of Rs 1,000,000 for deaths occurring during foreign employment or within a year of return.
