Over 14,000 Nepali migrant workers died abroad in last 15 years

KATHMANDU: More than 14,000 Nepali migrant workers have lost their lives while working abroad in the last 15 years, according to the latest report by the Foreign Employment Board.

Since the establishment of the board’s secretariat in fiscal year 2065/66 (2008/09), a total of 14,213 migrant workers have died.

The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security released this data on the occasion of International Migrant Workers Day, which is being observed in Nepal from Dec 16 to 22 with various programs.

The ministry has formed a main ceremony committee under the coordination of Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula to mark the week-long event.

According to the committee’s data, 3,440 workers returned to Nepal during this period due to serious illnesses and physical disabilities.

Secretary Niraula informed that these workers received financial assistance from the Foreign Employment Board. He further stated that Nepali citizens have migrated to 111 countries for foreign employment.

The 2024 International Organization for Migration (IOM) report estimates that there are 281 million migrants worldwide, including 169 million migrant workers.

In recognition of the challenges and potential discrimination faced by migrants, the United Nations adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families on Dec 18, 1990, which came into effect on July 1, 2003.

Hence, International Migrants Day is observed globally on Dec 18 every year to raise awareness about migration challenges and recognize the contributions of migrants.

In Nepal, this day is observed with joint efforts from the government, non-governmental organizations, private sectors, trade unions, civil society, migrant workers, their families, and the media. Foreign employment plays a crucial role in driving Nepal’s economy.

The Ministry of Labor has stated that government policies aim to maximize the benefits of capital, technology, skills, and experience gained from foreign employment by making the workforce productive and competitive.

In the government’s policy for fiscal year 2081/82, several initiatives are proposed to ensure safe and dignified foreign employment.

These include revising foreign employment laws, ensuring skill-based employment, providing free orientation training, reviewing labor agreements, signing new agreements with additional destination countries, encouraging the opening of free bank accounts for remittances, and implementing returnee entrepreneurship programs.

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, remittance inflow increased by 16.5% in fiscal year 2080/81 compared to the previous year, reaching Rs 1.445 trillion. During this period, a total of 741,297 workers, including 80,172 women, obtained labor approvals (including renewals) for foreign employment.

The remittances sent by these migrant workers have significantly contributed to household management, improving the Human Development Index, reducing economic risks for poor families, and supporting the country’s economy.

The World Bank’s October 2024 report shows that remittances account for over one-quarter of Nepal’s GDP.

The ministry emphasized that the week-long International Migrants Day programs aim to raise awareness among stakeholders about safe and dignified foreign employment.

Secretary Niraula highlighted the critical role of local-level bodies such as District Administration Offices, District Police Offices, municipalities, and rural municipalities in facilitating the documentation process for passports, skill training, and orientation required for foreign employment.

Basanta Bohora, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labor, noted that the migration policy is currently under review to better regulate foreign employment.

Another undersecretary, Mahesh Parajuli, mentioned that 98.9% of remittances are sent through formal channels and that the number of migrants facing difficulties abroad remains low.

He emphasized the need for encouraging investments in income-generating activities rather than spending remittances solely on household expenses, stating that awareness programs are essential to achieving this goal.