Nepali labor migration has a rich history, beginning around 1816 following the Anglo-Nepalese War. During that period, 4,650 Nepali youths were recruited into the British-Gorkha Regiment. The formal migration process took a significant turn in 1950 with the signing of the Indo-Nepal Treaty, which allowed free movement between the two countries without a passport or visa.
Migration Patterns
Labor migration refers to the movement of individuals from one region to another, often across borders, to seek employment opportunities. This migration can be domestic, within a country, or international, involving relocation to different countries. It is driven by factors such as job availability, economic conditions, and the pursuit of better living standards.
Nepali labor migration can be broadly categorised into three patterns:
- Domestic Migration: Movement within Nepal.
- Migration to India: Due to the open border, many Nepalis have moved to India for employment.
- Migration to Other Countries: This includes migration to Gulf countries, Malaysia, South Korea, and beyond.
Since the 1970s, Gulf countries began recruiting Nepali workers for their burgeoning construction industries. By the 1990s, the number of Nepali migrant workers in Malaysia, South Korea, and other East Asian nations surged significantly. Currently, Nepali migrant workers are present in 110 countries through institutional channels and in 178 countries through personal initiatives.
Economic Impact and Challenges
Foreign employment has become a major livelihood source for Nepali youths. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), around 400,000 youths enter the labour force annually, with more than half seeking foreign employment due to limited job opportunities within Nepal. Every day, over 2,044 Nepali workers leave for foreign jobs.
The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) reports that from 2008/09 to 2018/19, over 4 million labour permits were issued. In the fiscal year 2022/23 alone, more than 740,000 permits were granted.
Despite the economic benefits, including significant remittance inflows that contribute substantially to Nepal’s GDP, migrant workers face numerous challenges. Remittances have played a crucial role in poverty reduction, with poverty rates dropping from 42% in 1995/96 to 16.6% in 2016/17.
Legal Framework
The Foreign Employment Act (FEA), 2064, and its regulations, the Foreign Employment Rules (FER), 2064, govern Nepali labor migration. These laws aim to ensure that workers receive fair treatment and protection, including minimum wages, compulsory contracts, insurance coverage, and special provisions for vulnerable groups.
However, the practical implementation of these protections often falls short. Many workers, especially those in low-skilled or unskilled jobs, face poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of social security. They often work in what are termed the “4D” jobs: Difficult, Dirty, Dangerous, and Demeaning.
Real-World Issues
Many Nepali migrant workers face significant challenges, including low wages and poor working conditions that often lead to health issues and exploitation. They frequently lack social security, with many being unaware of their rights or benefits. Additionally, some workers endure abuse and exploitation, facing restrictive conditions that prevent them from changing employers or leaving the country. Language barriers and cultural challenges further complicate their ability to navigate new environments and assert their rights.
Reports indicate that many workers are unaware of their insurance benefits or face illegal charges by manpower agencies. Additionally, there have been reports of Nepali workers dying or facing severe hardships abroad due to inadequate protections and poor working conditions.
Efforts for Improvement
Various organisations and projects, such as the Safer Migration Project (SaMi), Pravasi Nepali Coordination Committee (PNCC), and People Forum for Human Rights, work to improve conditions for Nepali migrant workers. They provide legal aid, advocacy, and support to address exploitation and ensure better protection for workers.
Conclusion
Ensuring safe and dignified foreign employment for Nepali workers requires collective effort. This includes providing proper training, financial literacy, and establishing effective support systems. Improved regulations and enforcement, along with better pre-departure training, can help mitigate the risks faced by migrant workers and enhance their overall experience abroad.
Here is the video by Consult Nepal highlighting the history and patterns of Nepali labor migration, its economic impact through remittances, and the challenges faced by workers, such as poor conditions and low wages. It also reviews legal protections and ongoing efforts to improve migrant welfare.