Increment in compensation delayed

KATHMANDU, Nov 7: Delay in the amendment of Foreign Employment Regulation has put the implementation of increment in compensation amount -- to be given to families of workers that lost their lives in overseas destinations -- in limbo. [break]



Foreign Employment Promotion Board (FEPB) had recommended in second week of July to the government to increase the compensation to the bereaved families to Rs 150,000 from existing Rs 100,000 in case of the workers´ death in workplace in foreign land.



"Though more than four months have passed since we made the suggestion to the Ministry of Labor and Transport Management (MoLTM), to take initiation for amending the existing Foreign Employment Regulation to pave the way for increasing compensation amount, taking into account the increased levy amount collected from overseas job-seekers," Sthaneshwore Devkota, executive director of FEPB, told myrepublica.com.



As per the existing provision, any regulations have to be endorsed by the parliament.



Devkota also said the existing amount of compensation is also insufficient considering the soaring inflation in the country. The MoLTM had also constituted a panel headed by joint secretary Purna Chandra Bhattarai to initiate groundwork for amending regulations.



The government had initiated the fund in February 20, 2008, making it mandatory for overseas workers to contribute Rs 500 each to the fund. The amount has been increased Rs 1000 each from April 14.



As per the existing Foreign Employment Regulation, 2008, the FEPB shall provide a financial assistance of Rs 100,000 from the fund to the next of kin of the deceased worker.



According to FEPB, families of about 250 workers that died in foreign land have received the financial assistance from the fund. The fund is aimed also at providing assistance in bringing body of deceased workers home as well as other welfare work for the benefits of workers and promotional activities to boost foreign employment opportunities for Nepali youths.



Only the workers, who had contributed to the fund, are eligible to get the financial assistance from the fund. However, the FEPB has been also providing assistance and other humanitarian support to the families of dead workers who are found undocumented. FEPB is also providing assistance to workers who became disabled due to accidents in their workplaces abroad.

Related story

SEE grade increment exam begins today