Kathmandu, May 27
Labour, Employment and
Social Security Minister Sarat Singh Bhandari has said that the labour destination
countries must not treat Nepali migrant workers as slaves.
Speaking at the
inauguration of a residential training programme on the development,
negotiation, and implementation of labour agreements, jointly organised by the
Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Swiss government,
and the International Labour Organisation's International Training Centre (ITC)
in Dhulikhel on Tuesday, Minister Bhandari said that Nepal always expects
dignified treatment for its migrant workers from the destination countries.
“When a country lacks its own labour force, it
takes in workers from Nepal who are making significant contributions to the
development of those countries. This is something the destination countries have
also acknowledged,” he said.
Minister Bhandari said
that destination countries should ensure that Nepali workers are entitled to
the same basic rights as local citizens.
“Nepali workers who
are contributing to the development of those countries must not be treated like
slaves. They deserve to be granted basic rights equal to those of local
citizens and to be treated with dignity,” he said.
According to Minister
Bhandari, Nepal is signing various labour agreements or understandings with
destination countries to address issues such as minimum wages for Nepalis,
health security, insurance, social security, decent working conditions, and
fair recruitment processes.
He added that the
Government of Nepal is working to ensure safe migration and emphasised the need
for labour agreements that guarantee protection at every stage - from the time
workers leave their homes until they return after completing their work abroad.
Speaking at the event,
Labour Secretary Dr. Krishna Hari Pushkar said that international fundamental
human rights should never be compromised during the negotiation of labour
agreements with destination countries.
“There can be no
bargaining when it comes to ensuring the safety and rights of workers, which
are based on universal human rights principles. However, there can be further
discussions regarding matters such as social security," he stated.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 May 2025.
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