Minister Bhandari pledges to zero tolerance on labour exploitation, discrimination

Patan (Lalitpur), June 20: Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, has stated that the government has a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and discrimination against Nepali workers.     

Addressing the multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on labor migration, gender equality, and climate change organized by the International Organization for Migration Nepal in Lalitpur today, Minister Bhandari said that the government has intensified activities in support of Nepali workers abroad.     

He stated that the protection of workers' human rights alongside responsible trade practices is the government's top priority while recognizing the interrelationship between trade, migration, and human rights.     

"Foreign employment is not only a source of income but also a matter of dignity and rights for workers. Nepali male and female workers are making significant contributions to the development of labour destination countries, and those countries must act in accordance with global values and principles to ensure safe, systematic, and regular labour migration," said Minister Bhandari.     

He also expressed that the Ministry is preparing for emergency rescue concerning the security of Nepali citizens in conflict-affected areas.     

"Many Nepalis are spending the nights in the bunker, and if the situation gets more complicated, the government is ready for rescue," he said.     

Minister Bhandari expressed gratitude for the support of partners such as Swiss Compact, mentioning that efforts are underway to further enhance the 'Shram Sansar' mobile application for monitoring and supporting the situation of Nepalis abroad.     

Stating that efforts are ongoing to legalize Nepali people who are currently illegally residing in various countries, Minister Bhandari mentioned that special priority has been given to the protection of female workers.     

The Labour and Employment Minister stated that the process of amending the Foreign Employment Act has already begun, expressing commitment to promptly revise old and impractical legal arrangements. He added that the government has launched a decade-long campaign to promote domestic employment with the objective of developing foreign employment not as a necessity but as an option.     

Noting that the ratification process of International Labour Organization Conventions 81 and 87 is progressing, Minister Bhandari emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of inclusive economic growth for Nepal to upgrade from LDC status.     

He also made it clear that he plans to improve transparency and policy decisions through the formalization of the labour market and the use of digital technology and called for everyone's support and cooperation, emphasizing safe, dignified, and regular labor migration is only possible through collective efforts based on collaboration with all stakeholders.(RSS)