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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