Thursday, May 22, 2025

Nepal to push diplomatic talks for work visa access in Hong Kong

Kathmandu, May 17

Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, said that the Government of Nepal will take diplomatic endeavours to reopen work and domestic worker visa access in Hong Kong, which has been restricted since 2005.

Speaking at a meeting with a delegation led by Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Women's Secretary Radhika (Tika) Gurung at the Ministry on Friday, Minister Bhandari stated that Hong Kong could be a promising labour destination for Nepali workers. He highlighted the need for engagement, not only with Hong Kong but also with Beijing, to ensure progress on this front.

Hong Kong had reopened skill-based visas for select workers in July 2024. However, demand for domestic workers remains high, and the absence of legal pathways has reportedly led some Nepali women to seek work in Hong Kong through illegal means, often by paying agents large sums, raising serious concerns.

Gurung stressed the urgency of immediate diplomatic intervention, pointing out that nearly 30,000 Nepalis already reside in Hong Kong, drawn by favourable working conditions and wages.

In response, Minister Bhandari reaffirmed his commitment, stating that workers' safety must be a primary condition. He cited an upcoming pilot project with the United Arab Emirates focused on the secure deployment of domestic workers, which could serve as a model.

Separately, NRNA officials also urged the government to reopen labour approval for Russia, which was suspended in December 2023 due to concerns over possible military enlistment during wartime. Minister Bhandari expressed a willingness to re-examine the matter.

Attention was also drawn to recent fraud cases involving Nepali workers in Romania and Croatia, highlighting the need for stronger protections in foreign employment.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 May 2025. 

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