Prioritise Safety Of Migrant Workers

It is Nepal’s ground reality that our economy is heavily dependent on remittances sent by our hardworking workers working abroad. Considering the importance of foreign employment, the government has continued prioritising and promoting this sector. But, while we envisage safe and dignified employment, the situation is far from our expectation. A recent study conducted by GEFONT (General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions) on the occasion of International Migrant Day has shown that as many as 10,274 Nepali migrants have lost their lives abroad in the last 10 years. This figure is based on data between 2072/2073 B.S. and 2080/81 B.S. 

Today, a majority of Nepali youths have gone to different countries worldwide owing to inadequate employment opportunities within the country. Those youths who are here in the country seem to be interested in going abroad in search of a job. This trend is an impact of globalisation as the international labour market is now seeking labourers from different nations to reduce the existing gap. So, Nepalis, and migrant workers from other developing countries, including Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, among others, are growing in demand in nations like Gulf nations, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan. 

While labour-intensive jobs are abundant abroad, they are unsafe. And there are instances of abuse and exploitation of workers as well. If we remember, Qatar was scrutinised heavily for overworking workers in the heat and not ensuring a safe workplace for the migrants, for 2022 World Cup preparation. Nepal as well as other labour-sending countries must collectively bargain for safer conditions their workers. Migrant issues must be our top priority. But, we appear to have been unable to place it in high priority. This is one of the reasons for the demise of such a large number of Nepali migrant workers. 

Just recently, Saudi Arabia has been entrusted with the responsibility of hosting the World Cup for 2034. This means more Nepali migrants may get opportunities there as Saudi’s total population comprises 42 per cent migrants. So, for that country to construct necessary physical infrastructures such as stadiums and resorts, among others, it will need foreign migrants in large numbers. However, besides the lucrative opportunity, it is equally important to ensure safe and dignified working conditions for the migrant workers there. 

We have been too obsessed with the idea of earning remittance but little concerned about the flights of Nepali migrant workers abroad. They not only force various forms of exploitations but are also not paid on time and enough.  Plus, in the case of work-related hazards and deaths, the process of getting compensation is quite complicated for the families. 

In such a situation, Nepal’s diplomatic missions should be proactive in coordinating with victims’ families and helping them collect necessary documents to seek necessary compensation from the concerned country. They are also required to focus on collecting data, making good use of data, strengthening negotiation capacities, and demanding for safe and dignified employment. It is equally necessary for them to create awareness among Nepali migrants and ensure that the latter are knowledgeable about the working conditions.

Death of labours is not a small issue, rather a significant and problematic one for the families and even the economy and the country. This is a pretty bad figure and a wake-up call for the government, the Department of Foreign Employment and authorities like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) must take this matter seriously and act accordingly.