Nagarkot – For Nepal, labour migration plays a crucial role in the socio-economic fabric, with remittances being equivalent to over a quarter of Nepal's gross domestic product (GDP). Nearly 25 per cent of Nepalese households have family members working overseas. Still, migrant workers face severe exploitation, high recruitment fees, debt bondage, withheld wages, poor working conditions and limited legal recourse – all exacerbated by the limitations of their movement. 

In order to protect the rights and dignity of migrants, governments must create regular migration pathways, promote human and labour rights of migrant workers in supply chains and implement robust legal protections.  The Government of Nepal has launched its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP+BHR), setting clear expectations for government officials and businesses. The plan promotes responsible business practices that align with international frameworks, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and focuses on enhancing labour migration governance. By helping businesses identify and mitigate human rights risks, the NAP+BHR aims to attract responsible investment, foster stronger collaboration among stakeholders and advance sustainable practices over the next five years.

On 6 and 7 December, as part of IOM’s regional Migration, Business and Human Rights Programme in Asia (MBHR Asia) titled Promoting Corporate Responsibility and Migrant Workers’ Rights in Global Supply Chains, IOM Nepal and the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) organised an orientation programme for government officials to enhance technical knowledge and expertise on regular pathways. Supported by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, the programme brought together 34 representatives from over 16 ministries and line agencies, including MoLESS, Department of Foreign Employment and Foreign Employment Board. Participants delved into migrant vulnerabilities, ethical recruitment standards, the NAP+BHR and significant global frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

In his opening remarks, Mr Mahesh Parajuli, Under Secretary at MoLESS, stated, "Migrant workers often pay exorbitant recruitment fees to secure jobs abroad, leaving them trapped in mounting debt. We must move beyond compliance with legal standards and focus on practical measures that are beneficial to migrant workers and contribute to strengthening regular pathways." 

Notably, the event also coincided with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. Dr Anup Kanti Das, Chief Migration Health Officer and Officer in Charge at IOM Nepal, highlighted in his closing remarks that “the 16 Days of Activism against GBV is a powerful call to action, urging us to strengthen support systems for vulnerable, marginalized communities and build pathways to justice. By creating accessible pathways and training response teams, we can collectively uphold the dignity and safety of the most vulnerable, including women and children, while advocating for equitable access to services.”

The programme underscored Nepal’s commitment to safeguarding migrant rights and safer mobility pathways, with IOM's supporting efforts to combat migrant workers’ exploitation and strengthen migration governance.

For more information, please contact: Purnima Limbu Palunga, National Project Officer at IOM Nepal: plpalunga@iom.int