Asia-GCC Dialogue: Minister calls for treating migrants as partners in development

Kathmandu, June 25: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, has called on all partner nations for shared commitment for safe and decent migration.     

During an inaugural session of the Asia-GCC Dialogue on the Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) here today, he sought the shared commitment on the part of all partner nations to advancing safe, orderly and regular migration.     

"Nepal is committed to protecting migrants’ human rights in line with international standards. Although we have mandated social security coverage for outbound migrant workers, ensuring access to pensions and benefits upon their return, we are still in need to establish a continued contribution to our social security schemes," the Minister said.     

Stating that for countries like Nepal, migration and remittances are a major economic source and a cornerstone of socio-economic development, significantly shaping its economy and driving progress, he said millions of migrant workers contribute to the prosperity of labour hosting countries, forging strong economic and cultural ties.     

"However, challenges such as exploitation, unsafe migration routes, and limited reintegration opportunities persist. The GCM, with its 23 objectives, offers a comprehensive framework to address these issues through collaboration and respect for human rights."     

 The Minister utilised the forum to urge all labour hosting countries to adopt these GCM standards, treating migrants as partners in development rather than mere labor force, adding that Nepal stands firmly for the welfare of its migrant workers, including establishing minimum benchmarks for those working abroad.     

"Our reintegration programmes leverage returnees’ skills and capital through social and economic initiatives at all local levels. From next fiscal year, we are extending our programme coverage to all 753 local levels. It is the time-we need to establish a clear pathway how this returnee integrates – economically - socially. We also call on GCC countries to uphold minimum human rights standards, including access to healthcare and effective grievance mechanisms," he said.     

GCM Objective 18 emphasizes investment in skill development and the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications, and competencies to enhance skill-based migration, he said, arguing that Nepal’s national policy reflects its commitment to sending skilled and highly skilled workers for foreign employment."     

The Minister also proposed an Asia-GCC skills recognition framework to facilitate labour mobility and reduce deskilling.     

Stating that Nepal adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards fraudulent agencies and is committed to taking strict action against them, he proposed the establishment of an Asia-GCC task force to regulate recruitment agencies and eliminate exploitative practices, ensuring ethical migration corridors.     

"Nepal views migration as a path to shared prosperity. Migrant workers are seen as ambassadors of common values, and Nepal calls for Asia-GCC cooperation to ensure safe, dignified, and empowering migration," the Minister stressed.     

Also speaking on the occasion, Ministry Secretary Dr Krishnahari Puskar underlined the need of wider cooperation and shared commitment in the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration in the context of changing regional scenario specially the Iran-Israel unrest and its consequences on migration.(RSS)