Foreign employment fraud a serious concern, says labour minister Bhandari

KATHMANDU: Minister for Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Sharatsingh Bhandari, has said that fraudulent activities in the name of foreign employment have emerged as a serious challenge for the government.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday while responding to queries raised during discussions on the Appropriation Bill, Minister Bhandari stated that the government is committed to taking strict action against those involved in such scams.

He mentioned that complaints filed by cheated workers are being thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators will face the harshest legal consequences.

Minister Bhandari noted that unscrupulous agents and brokers continue to exploit Nepali youths aspiring to go abroad, and in response, the government has activated its investigation mechanisms to bring such individuals within the legal framework.

He further informed that Nepal is preparing to send semi-skilled and skilled workers to Japan, South Korea, and European countries through institutional channels. “From this July, the process of sending workers to Europe through formal mechanisms will begin,” he announced.

“According to the foreign employment policy, semi-skilled and skilled Nepalis will be sent to countries like Korea and Japan. We have also prepared to send workers to European nations known for their strong human rights records,” Bhandari added.

The Minister also emphasized the government’s priority to implement reintegration programs and safe migration initiatives, aimed at utilizing the skills and experience of returnee workers. “Reintegration and safe migration programs are being advanced with high priority to make optimal use of the human resources returning from abroad,” he said.