Kathmandu, Sept. 12
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has instructed
the Nepali ambassadors abroad to work by keeping the interests of Nepali
workers and labourers at the center.
Speaking at a two-day interaction on the 'Problems of labour
migration and their solutions', the Prime Minister drew the attention of the
ambassadors and other concerned agencies to the plight of Nepali workers abroad
and directed the envoys to work to resolve the problems faced by the workers.
In a first of its kind initiation, the government called
Nepali ambassadors abroad to Kathmandu and discussed the problems and
difficulties faced by Nepali workers. The ambassadors presented their reports,
and prepared a future action plan.
Prime Minister Prachanda has directed the ministries to
immediately address the issues raised by the ambassadors during the
interaction.
In his address, the Prime Minister stressed on international
diplomatic relations, tourism promotion of Nepal and the welfare of Nepali
workers abroad.
PM Prachanda said that foreign employment has helped the
country at the time when the country is facing multiple challenges in job
creation and domestic employment is affected badly.
Meanwhile, the remittance inflow has greatly helped in
maintaining the country's balance of payment, and foreign employment has
supported in the country's international relations and friendship. It also has
contributed in the transfer of capital, skill and technology required for the
modern development, business and economic growth.
However, the prime minister expressed his concerns to the
problems like cheating, human rights violation, delay in rescue and workplace
risks which are being faced by Nepali migrant workers.
"Labor diplomacy should be made more effective in order
to protect the rights and interests of all Nepalis, guarantee minimum service
facilities, ensure social security and develop an effective mechanism for
hearing complaints," said PM Prachanda.
Stating that the ambassadors would pay attention to end the
situation where the diplomatic missions did not listen to the complaints of any
Nepali citizens when they are in trouble, he directed all agencies related to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors and labor administration to be
serious and active to protect the rights and interests of Nepali people.
On the one hand, we need to increase employment
opportunities within the country and on the other hand, we need to make foreign
employment more secure, dignified and managed, said PM Prachanda.
"While the role of the labour sector remains important
for the country's prosperity, economic diplomacy should be given sufficient
attention. In order to contribute to the prosperity of the country, I believe
that you would also pay sufficient attention to the promotion of foreign
investment and the marketing of Nepali products," he said.
According to him, although there is a lot of potential in
tourism development in Nepal, the country has not been able to take sufficient
advantage of it. Therefore, you should also play an important role in promoting
Nepal's tourism and increase the arrival of foreign tourists, said PM Prachanda.
Meanwhile, he expressed his worries over the growing trade
deficit and cited it as a major challenge for Nepal's economy. According to
him, the trade balance has to be maintained in favor of the country by
diversifying country and commodities of trade. He sought an active rold of the
ambassadors in this.
He also directed the Ministry of Labour, Employment and
Social Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ambassadors to give immediate
priority to review the labor agreements with foreign countries taking into
account the rights and interests of Nepali migrant workers.
PM Prachanda directed to make the consular services provided
to Nepalis going for foreign employment, information technology-based,
efficient and effective.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 September 2023.
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