Discussion between NRNA and ILO on collaboration regarding Nepali migrant workers
KATHMANDU:-Discussions have been held between the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) regarding further strengthening collaboration and support for Nepali migrant workers.
During the meeting between an NRNA delegation led by President Dr. Hemraj Sharma and ILO Country Director for Nepal, Numan Özcan, detailed discussions took place on issues specifically concerning the safety, mental health, awareness, emergency assistance, and rehabilitation of Nepali migrant workers, as well as the utilization of skills possessed by returnee workers.
Emphasis was also placed on making collaboration and coordination more effective among the government, non-governmental organizations, partner agencies, and the expatriate Nepali community to address the issues faced by Nepali workers in foreign employment.
NRNA President Dr. Hemraj Sharma noted that while the problems faced by migrant workers vary across different countries, many nations share challenges of a similar nature.
Noting that the NRNA has long been working for the rights and protection of Nepali workers, he stated that many Nepali workers benefited from the collaboration between the two organizations, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Noting that the NRNA is continuously working to bring the knowledge, skills, and experience acquired by Nepali workers abroad back to Nepal, he expressed the view that—since the problems faced by workers are not confined to a single region but extend to various areas, including Europe—further work could be undertaken in collaboration with the ILO by effectively leveraging the capacity and networks of the respective NCCs.
NRNA Vice President Rojina Pradhan Rai emphasized the need to prioritize direct outreach and community-based programs to disseminate information to Nepali expatriates. She noted that such initiatives could begin on a small scale and be gradually expanded. She stated that this type of collaboration would be beneficial in guiding Nepalis visiting the country on where to go, how to access necessary services, and how to connect with relevant mechanisms in Nepal.
NRNA General Secretary Dr. Chiranjibi Khadka extended an invitation and announced that the organization is preparing to host its first-ever Workers’ Conference in the Middle East. He emphasized that social security is a matter of utmost importance for migrant workers.
Noting that the relevant ministry is also keen to participate in this initiative, he shared that the NRNA is developing a project aimed at providing necessary support regarding social security and assistance to migrant workers.
He suggested that the program could be conducted by involving resource persons from the respective countries alongside experts from Nepal. Noting that a large number of Nepali workers travel to countries such as Croatia and Romania annually, Khadka emphasized the need to prioritize their social security and welfare. He also highlighted that the process of repatriating the bodies of Nepali workers who die abroad poses a major challenge for the NRNA.
Noting that Nepali nationals frequently pass away in certain countries—particularly in the Middle East and Europe—necessitating the repatriation of their bodies, he highlighted the significant challenges involved in legal procedures, interpretation, documentation, local coordination, and other logistical arrangements. He stated that the project could play a crucial role in addressing these issues.
