Labour Minister warns of stern action against those exploiting labourers

February 9, Kathmandu: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Krishna Kumar Shrestha has reaffirmed his commitment to not backtrack from the campaign to reform the foreign employment sector.

At a discussion held by his office on Tuesday, with stakeholders regarding preparation to hold the upcoming labour-related Joint Working Committee of Nepal and UAE, Minister Shrestha said that it was government’s prime responsibility to protect the lives of millions of youths offshore for foreign employment.

Stating that he has been working in result-oriented manner and in the best interest of the migrant workers, Shrestha called for cooperation from the stakeholders for safe migration for the Nepali youths. He warned that those exploiting and duping aspiring and working Nepali migrant workers would be brought to book.

He said Nepal in the upcoming joint working committee with the UAE would prioritize issues such as hike in minimum wage for Nepali migrant workers, investment in skills development, reintegration and resettlement programmes, among others.

Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security Yek Narayan Aryal said that the ministry’s leadership was working seriously to address the weakness prevailing in the foreign employment sector in the country.