Kathmandu, December 18, 2024
As the world observes International Migrants Day 2024 with the theme “Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting Their Rights”, Nepal marks the day with its own slogan, “Safe Migration Begins with Informed and Skilled Employment.” Despite national and global recognition of the contributions of migrant workers, challenges to their human rights and welfare remain persistent.
In Nepal, migrant workers play a pivotal role in driving the country’s economic and social development through remittances. According to recent data, remittances account for nearly 24% of Nepal's GDP. Yet, many migrant workers continue to face challenges such as fraudulent recruitment, poor working conditions, lack of health and legal support, and difficulties in reintegration after returning home.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal has long been advocating for the protection of Nepali migrant workers' human rights. In a significant move, the NHRC submitted a 64-point recommendation to the Government of Nepal in 2023, urging better policies and practices to safeguard their rights. However, the implementation of these recommendations has been slow, leaving many issues unaddressed.
Challenges Persist for Migrant Workers
While the contributions of migrant workers are celebrated, their rights and well-being often remain neglected. Common issues include:
1. Fraud and Exploitation: Workers often fall prey to fraudulent recruitment practices, losing their savings even before reaching their destination.
2. Health and Safety: Many workers lack access to adequate healthcare and face unsafe working conditions abroad.
3. Legal Support: The absence of proper legal assistance leaves imprisoned workers without recourse to justice.
4. Reintegration: Returning migrants struggle to reintegrate into the local economy due to limited employment opportunities in Nepal.
Moreover, unresolved cases of compensation and repatriation have highlighted gaps in inter-ministerial coordination. For instance, Nepal has yet to adequately address the needs of citizens affected by the Russia-Ukraine war, including compensation for injured workers and the repatriation of deceased individuals’ bodies.
Calls for Action
The NHRC has urged the government to make visible progress in addressing these challenges. Key recommendations include:
Investing adequately in migrant workers’ rights and welfare.
Developing policies to address emerging migration issues.
Ensuring safe, dignified, and regular migration processes.
Providing specific protections for women domestic workers, who face unique vulnerabilities.
On this occasion, the NHRC emphasized the need for collective action from all stakeholders, including government bodies, recruitment agencies, and civil society, to create a migration system that is just and sustainable.
As Nepal strives to meet its commitments to international conventions on migration and human rights, ensuring the protection of migrant workers remains a pressing issue. For the country to truly honor their contributions, meaningful reforms and investments must follow today’s slogans and promises.
