Experts emphasize fair and ethical foreign employment process

KATHMANDU, Nov 20: Experts, representatives of the Government of Nepal, the private sector, civil society, and development organizations have all emphasized fair and ethical foreign employment process at a function organized in Kathmandu on Monday. In the event which was jointly hosted by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Business Initiative, the experts also highlighted the need for fostering strong partnerships among the stakeholders to promote a fair and ethical foreign employment process.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Labor, Employment, and Social Security, Gokarna Bista highlighted the government's priorities and plans and reiterated his commitment to good governance and oversight of foreign recruitment practices.

Minister Bista said that foreign employment has become a culture for the Nepali youth. He added that this trend has created a challenge for the government since the opportunities in Nepal have been neglected due to foreign employment. “On the one hand, we are providing manpower to foreign nations but on the other, we are facing scarcity of manpower in our industries,” he said.

Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Nepal, Randy W Berry said, "The United States Government, through USAID and other partners, stands committed to support the country's leadership in finding those win-win solutions that serve everyone: the government, the private sector, and the Nepali people.”

Ambassador Berry added that the Government of Nepal, private companies and the destination nations need to realize the old irresponsible and unethical practices related to migration in order to build a new process.

According to him, the way the Nepali people have been spending an average of Rs 150,000 while migrating for employment is a negative trend. “It should never cost that much,” he said, “It is just a waste of potential capital which could be utilized for the development of the nation.”