MoU signed to employ Nepali drivers in Japan

Kathmandu, Sept. 16

Nepali and Japanese institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to recruit Nepali drivers for Japan's automobile transportation sector under the Specified Skilled Worker framework.

The initiative will select, train, and deploy qualified drivers from Nepal to Japan at no cost to the candidates, according to representatives involved in the agreement.

Japanese recruitment agency heads Shiro Shogawa, Yoshinobu Murase and Yukiguni Education Consultancy CEO Rajkumar Tamang (RK), along with Mother Brain Nepal Chairman Krishna Giri, Yukiguni Education Manager Ashok Lama, Japanese Education Group Chairman Rupsing Tamang and Antique Driving School operator Saroj Swangamikka signed the agreements.

Speaking at the MoU signing programme organised in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Giri said that it is the first formal step to open door for Nepali drivers to get employment in Japan. "It will educate the drivers going to Japan and enhance their skills," he said.

Shiro said that the drivers will undergo a practical part and online learning for their skill enhancement, and Japanese and Nepali driving schools will play an instrumental role for it.

The three partner agencies in Nepal will select drivers and arrange the necessary training under the Nepal-Japan SSW Automobile Transportation Recruitment Programme.

Tamang said that Nepali drivers holding driving licences would be provided with the required training and Japanese language instruction before being sent to Japan for employment.

He said that all arrangements, from candidate selection and training to the process of travelling to Japan for employment, would be provided free of charge under the programme.

As per the MoU, candidates holding valid Nepali driving licenses will undergo technical training, driving instruction, and Japanese language courses prior to deployment. Three designated Nepali recruitment agencies will handle the initial selection and processing of applicants.

Organisers said the zero-cost recruitment framework aims to create formal employment pathways for skilled transport workers while expanding labour cooperation between the two countries.

The organisers said the programme, which has been launched with the objective of providing employment opportunities in Japan to skilled and suitably qualified drivers from Nepal, is expected to further expand labour and employment cooperation between Nepal and Japan.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 17 September 2026.