Kathmandu - A multi-stakeholder dialogue in Nepal has underscored the urgent need for evidence-based reforms to better safeguard the rights of Nepali migrant workers, particularly those engaged in care and domestic work abroad.
The discussion, supported by the International Labour Organization and GIZ Nepal, brought together representatives from government agencies, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society, research institutions, and development partners. The meeting reviewed findings from two new studies aimed at strengthening protection mechanisms across the migration cycle.
Key Findings Highlight Persistent Gaps
The studies focused on the situation of migrant care and domestic workers, as well as the effectiveness of social protection systems in Nepal and major destination countries. Despite the critical role of labour migration in sustaining Nepal’s economy and household incomes, the findings reveal persistent vulnerabilities.
Migrant workers-especially women-continue to face multiple challenges, including high recruitment costs, limited access to reliable pre-departure information, inadequate social protection coverage, and weak support services both at home and abroad.
Reform Priorities Identified
Participants highlighted several priority areas for reform:
Promoting fair and ethical recruitment practices
Strengthening social protection systems across borders
Enhancing coordination among institutions and service providers
Expanding awareness and access to support mechanisms for migrant workers
The discussions emphasized that addressing these structural gaps is essential for ensuring safe, orderly, and dignified migration.
Progress Noted, but More Work Ahead
Nepal has made notable progress in recent years, including improvements in migrant welfare funds, insurance schemes, and labour migration governance. However, stakeholders stressed that sustained efforts, grounded in data and research, are necessary to build a more inclusive and equitable migration system.
The studies contribute to the ongoing ILO-GIZ Partnership on Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Nepali Migrant Workers (PPPR-MW), which aims to advance policy reforms and improve labour standards for Nepali workers abroad.
As Nepal continues to rely heavily on foreign employment, strengthening protection frameworks will be key to ensuring that migration translates into safe and decent work opportunities for all.
#MigrantWorkers #MigrantRights #LabourMigration #DecentWork #FairRecruitment #SocialProtection #WorkersRights #SafeMigration #GenderEquality #WomenAtWork #Nepal #HumanRights #InclusiveDevelopment
