Govt is preparing to rescue Nepali workers from conlict zones: Minister Bhandari

Kathmandu, June 20

Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Sarat Singh Bhandari has said that the government is fully committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of Nepali workers.

Addressing the Multi-stakeholder Policy Dialogue on 'Trade and human rights in the context of labour migration, gender equality and climate change' held in Kathmandu on Friday, Minister Bhandari presented the government’s active engagement and future plans regarding the protection of Nepali workers abroad.

Informing that he recently returned from Geneva after representing Nepal at the 113^th International Labour Conference, he mentioned that discussions with international organisations working in the labour and migration sectors were positive.

Talking about the interconnection between trade, migration, and human rights, Minister Bhandari emphasised that protecting workers' human rights through responsible business practices is the government’s top priority.

He reiterated the government’s policy of zero tolerance towards the exploitation and discrimination of Nepali workers.

According to him, foreign employment is not merely a source of income but also a matter of dignity and rights for workers. "Our male and female workers are making significant contributions to the development of destination countries. These countries must act in line with the spirit of the Global Compact to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration," he said.

Minister Bhandari also informed that the ministry is preparing for emergency rescue operations concerning Nepali citizens currently in conflict zones. "Many Nepalis are spending nights in bomb shelters. Should the situation escalate further, the government is ready for rescue operations," he said.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), he further mentioned ongoing efforts to regularise hundreds of thousands of Nepalis who are currently living illegally in various countries, adding that special priority is being given to the safety of female workers.

He also stressed the need for in-depth discussions on how climate change is affecting labour migration. He informed that the MoLESS has incorporated climate issues into all of its programmes.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring the dignity of workers, Minister Bhandari said, "We will not compromise on the protection of human rights."

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 June 2025.