Increase in outbound migrant workers as new criteria for foreign employment implemented

KATHMANDU: With the introduction of new criteria for foreign employment, there has been a significant rise in the number of outbound migrant workers leaving the country via Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the new criteria effective from Magh 10 (Jan 24), which has approximately doubled the number of outbound migrant workers departing under the foreign employment category.

According to data from the Department of Immigration, prior to the implementation of the new criteria, around 9,750 individuals were departing daily for foreign employment via Tribhuvan International Airport.

However, since the introduction of the new criteria, the daily number of outbound migrant workers has surged to approximately 15,000.

Observing data from Magh 10 (Jan 24) to Falgun 15 (Feb 27), it is evident that around 42,628 individuals have left for foreign employment under the new criteria.

Prior to the implementation of the new criteria, approximately 29,296 individuals were departing for foreign employment within a single month.

The increase in outbound migrant workers can be attributed to the changes in regulations governing foreign employment, as indicated by officials from the Department of Immigration.

Authorities point out that the increase in outbound migration comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the new criteria following instances of misuse of discretionary authority.

Officials assert that the implementation of specific criteria has led to a surge in outbound migrant workers.

Moreover, it has been noted that negotiations for remuneration are conducted at the airport itself, following the implementation of the new criteria.

The government has recently revoked 17 provisions in foreign employment regulations as part of its new system implementation.