KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security reports that since the Foreign Employment Board Secretariat was established in 2008, 14,213 Nepalis have lost their lives while working overseas. This information was disseminated throughout the world on December 18, International Migrants Day.
To mark the occasion, Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula is organizing a week-long celebration for the ministry from December 16 to 22. These gatherings are meant to raise awareness of the rights and challenges faced by migrant workers.
Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula is planning a week-long celebration for the ministry from December 16 to 22 in honor of the anniversary. The purpose of these events is to increase public awareness of migrant workers' rights and difficulties.
The rapid rise in remittance inflows indicates how important foreign labor is to Nepal's economy. According to the Nepal Rastra Bank, remittances increased 16.5% to Rs 1.44 trillion for the fiscal year 2023–2024.
During the same fiscal year, 741,297 Nepalis, including 80,172 women, moved overseas for work with labor permits, according to official data. A World Bank report from October 2024 states that remittances now account for more than 25% of Nepal's GDP.
To lessen the risks associated with working overseas, the government plans to amend laws, offer skill development, and encourage the use of formal banking channels for remittance payments. Increasing the safety and dignity of migration is the aim of these measures.
Initiatives are also in place to promote the effective use of remittances. The government wants to encourage investments that bring in money rather than just funding family expenses.
Governmental and non-governmental organizations are collaborating to ensure that working overseas remains a viable and safe option for Nepalis. The primary objectives of these partnerships are to help employees and their families and to create safer migration paths.
Through these initiatives, the ministry seeks to solve the main social and economic problems faced by migrant workers while optimizing the benefits of remittance-driven growth for Nepal's economy.
