Push for strengthening ethical recruitment in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nov 4: Fair recruitment is the foundational aspect of safe migration. It pays heed to workers’ rights and protection norms.

Fair recruitment carries much significance while millions of Nepalis seek opportunities abroad. In this connection, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment (MoYLE) held a programme on ‘Ethical Recruitment for Strengthening Labour Migration Governance’ on October 29-30.

The programme attended by the government officials from MoYLE, relevant line ministries, the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), the Foreign Employment Tribunal and the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau (AHTB) dwelt on how these agencies could foster understanding to promote ethical recruitment. They alsoed identified key challenges and explored ways to better protect Nepali migrant workers’ rights throughout their migration journey.

According to a press statement issued by IOM on Wednesday, the workshop stressed importance of foreign employment for Nepal’s economic growth and the need to reinforce ethical recruitment standards, labour migration policies and measures to address human trafficking and forced labour, in light of several challenges including excessive recruitment fees, deceptive job offers, contract substitution and barriers to accessing justice, often experienced and reported by Nepalis migrant workers and their families.

“Behind every remittance is a worker and a family who deserve fair recruitment, safety and respect for their rights. Together, let’s turn our shared goals into action and ensure that safe, orderly and regular migration becomes a reality for every migrant worker,” said Helene Fors, IOM chief of mission in Nepal.

Secretary at MoYLE, Dr Dipak Kafle, observed, “As migration patterns continue to evolve, our policies and legal frameworks must keep pace. Strengthening the Foreign Employment Act, addressing gaps in fair recruitment and integrating emerging concerns such as climate change and migration are important to improving labour migration governance.”

Ethical recruitment is more than a regulatory requirement. It is a commitment to ensuring that every worker can pursue opportunities abroad without compromising their rights or dignity.

By turning policy commitments into coordinated action, Nepal can help build a migration system that offers greater protection for workers, peace of mind for families and a stronger foundation for sustainable development, the statement added. —-