Govt active on borders & migrant issues: Foreign Minister

KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said that the government is giving high priority to border management, the safety of Nepali migrant workers, and economic diplomacy.

Responding to lawmakers during Thursday’s House of Representatives session on questions raised over the Appropriation Bill, the minister outlined the government’s ongoing efforts in border affairs and the rescue of Nepalis facing difficulties abroad.

On border management, Khanal said work between Nepal and India is actively progressing, including the reconstruction of boundary pillars and the collection of data on cross-border encroachment in the no-man’s land. He added that long-stalled processes have resumed, with technical teams from both countries working in the field.

Regarding the Nepal–China border, he said there is comparatively less activity than on the southern border, but a “placeholder” budget has been allocated to address limited disputes and ensure preparedness for necessary interventions.

On foreign employment, the minister acknowledged challenges in repatriating the bodies of deceased migrant workers, particularly those who left without labor approval, due to the absence of a dedicated government fund.

To address this, he said the upcoming budget includes a proposal for a special emergency fund of Rs 150 million through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Khanal also highlighted difficulties in maintaining accurate data on female migrant workers, citing irregular migration through visit visas and undocumented channels. He urged citizens to obtain proper labor permits before traveling abroad and called on lawmakers to raise awareness on safe migration.

In economic diplomacy, he said the ministry is working on country-specific strategies and aims to make foreign policy more result-oriented.

From the next fiscal year, the government plans to set targets for foreign direct investment, grants, and loan mobilization, along with a monitoring mechanism to track progress.

He also informed Parliament about ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning Nepalis in conflict zones, including one Nepali national detained in Iran for investigation and nine others held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

He said Nepal is engaging diplomatically for their safe release and repatriation, with Red Cross access being facilitated in sensitive cases.

Reaffirming that Nepal’s foreign policy is guided by the Constitution, the minister said preparations are underway to organize the Sagarmatha Dialogue in May 2027.

He also noted that embankment construction in the Susta region will proceed in coordination with India.