Diplomatic initiative to resolve labor issues in Malaysia

KATHMANDU:- The government has initiated diplomatic efforts to address issues concerning the selection and recruitment process of workers between Nepal and Malaysia through mutual dialogue, cooperation, and understanding. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has launched this diplomatic initiative by sending a formal communication to the Malaysian side through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Ministry of Labour, a letter sent to the Malaysian side proposes holding a meeting of the Joint Working Group in Kathmandu to conduct bilateral discussions on matters related to the recruitment process for Nepali workers under Malaysia’s FWCMS system, as well as various other issues concerning labour migration.

Nepal has proposed holding the meeting on either Mangsir 2–3 or 16–17 (November 18–19 or December 2–3, 2026), while also indicating that the dates could be further adjusted to suit the convenience of the Malaysian side. Furthermore, Nepal has expressed the view that, in order to ensure continuity, predictability, and ease in the worker recruitment process, the existing procedures should remain in place until a new arrangement is established through mutual agreement between the two sides.

The proposed meeting is expected to cover discussions on making the worker selection and recruitment process more organized, transparent, and worker-friendly, as well as finalizing the draft for the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labor cooperation signed between Nepal and Malaysia in 2018.

Attaching high importance to long-term labor cooperation with Malaysia, the government has expressed its commitment to protecting the interests of Nepali workers, promoting safe and dignified foreign employment, and further strengthening labor relations in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries.

The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies has commended the proposal put forward by the Government of Nepal to the Malaysian side, while emphasizing that it must lead to tangible results. Dik Bahadur Khatri, the Association’s president, stated that the diplomatic initiative taken by the government to resolve the issues that have emerged in Malaysia over the past few months is a positive step.

During the Joint Working Group meeting, he emphasized that the Nepali side should persuade the Malaysian side to make decisions—free from any external pressure or influence—that prioritize the interests of Nepali workers.

The Department of Foreign Employment has announced that it has initiated monitoring of the 25 manpower agencies selected by Malaysia, following the completion of necessary legal procedures. The Department is conducting an investigation into these 25 agencies, alleging that they have established a monopoly by exclusively securing access to Malaysia’s Foreign Worker Management System.

Director General of the Department, Navaraj Dhakal, stated that since all legally registered entities hold equal status, the monopolistic practices exercised by a limited number of manpower agencies are in violation of the law. Consequently, the Department has initiated monitoring of these entities, following the completion of necessary procedural requirements for taking action.

According to him, the monitoring process was launched in full compliance with the Department’s legal procedures. Emphasizing that this matter is legal rather than merely administrative, Director General Dhakal said, “An investigating officer has been appointed for this purpose. The investigation is being conducted in adherence to all established legal procedures.”