UAE, Oman agree for high-level understanding on migrant workers

Ashok Ghimire
Kathmandu, February 6 : The governments of United Arab of Emirates (UAE) and Oman– the two major destination countries for Nepali migrants–have agreed to review existing separate labour agreements with Nepal by incorporating massive reforms for the issues of both the employees and employers.
During the talks with the officials of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), officials of both the countries seem positive to guarantee the migrants’ fundamental rights and security without additional cost on the part of Nepali migrant workers.
Joint Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire-led team of the MoLESS held talks with the officials of Oman government on January 27 and 28 while with the officials of UAE government on January 30 and 31.
During the talks with the officials of both the receiving countries, Nepal has proposed to recruit the migrant workers in zero cost, ensure transparency in recruitment process, assurance of minimum wages and guarantee of migrant workers welfare as established by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and others.
The MoLESS said that the Nepali officials have laid emphasis on payment for overtime work, 24 hours insurance of the workers, leave for the workers in demise and sickness of their kin, special treatment for women migrant workers and other issues about the migrants’ rights should be incorporated in the labour pact.
Ghimire said that positive response has been received from the Omani side in regard to issues raised by Nepali officials.
He added that very hearty, open and positive talks were held even with UAE officials and the government of UAE has expressed its readiness to sign a labour pact with Nepal as early as possible. RSS