Labour Ministry forms committee to reverse decision of outgoing minister Bhandari

KATHMANDU: Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security has taken a proactive step by forming a three-member committee to evaluate the implementation of a 17-point directive issued by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Previously, these directives were issued to the ministry by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, but unfortunately, they were not acted upon by the outgoing minister.

The newly appointed minister, Dor Prasad Aryal, has entrusted the task to a committee, led by Joint Secretary Govinda Prasad Rijal, to meticulously study the implementation of these directives. The committee is also assigned to review decisions made by the previous minister, which were considered opaque and contentious.

Given a deadline of 21 days, the committee will submit a comprehensive report after thorough examination of the Prime Minister’s directives, analysis of various media reports, addressing laborer grievances, and considering stakeholder concerns.

In an official statement, the ministry emphasized that appropriate actions will be taken based on the committee’s findings and recommendations.

Among the key issues the committee will delve into include the fees for pre-departure orientation training for foreign employment, English proficiency requirements for skilled migrant laborers, and the E7 Korean Visa, among others.

Prime Minister Dahal's directives emphasized the importance of ensuring that decisions made by the ministry do not impose financial burdens on migrant laborers. Furthermore, the ministry was instructed to halt the implementation of any such decisions already made.

Additionally, the Prime Minister directed the ministry to provide free orientation training for migrant workers, highlighting the government's commitment to safeguarding the interests of laborers heading abroad for employment.