Emphasis laid on to work from local levels for safe migration

Kathmandu, Dec 22: Stakeholders have stressed that local governments should initiate the activities to reduce the burden of loan to the workers going for foreign employment. It is necessary also for the safe migration. 

At a programme organised by the National Network for Safe Migration on the occasion of the International Migrants Day here today, they opined that the respective families and country could benefit meaningfully if the workers could go for foreign employment with as low investment as possible. 

On the occasion, Dr Jeevan Baniya presented a working paper. Sharing that migrant workers have been spending from Rs 100 thousand to Rs 9 million for overseas job, he stressed that the government has to pay attention to reduce their investment.  "The government has made free visa and free ticket arrangement for foreign employment. But it has not been implemented. Around 80 per cent Nepalis are compelled to opt for the jobs overseas, paying high cost," he argued.  

Similarly, National Coordinator of International Labour Organisation (ILO), Roni Pradhan Dhaubhadel, pointed out the need of full implementation of government's policy and laws in order to make foreign employment safe, dignified and systematic. 

Likewise, Deputy-Mayor of Ramgram municipality in Nawalparasi, Samjhana Chaudhary, expressed the view that a special action plan should be prepared and implemented at local levels for safe foreign jobs.

Network Chairperson Advocate Krishna Prasad Neupane said the government needs to take initiative to protect the investment of Nepali migrant workers and ensure their future, rather than treating them as source of remittance. 

Chairperson of Paurakhi Nepal, Satra Gurung, suggested working in safe migration policy being more sensitive on the matters of female workers. (RSS)