Nepal and Saudi Arabia Sign Bilateral Labor Agreement to Protect Migrant Workers

Kathmandu. A bilateral labor agreement has been signed between Nepal and Saudi Arabia. The agreement concerning the recruitment of workers was signed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the objective of promoting safe, organized, and dignified foreign employment for general workers.

The agreement was signed on Monday by Nepal's Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security, Rajendra Singh Bhandari, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi.

Prior to the signing, a bilateral meeting was held between the labor ministers of both countries. During the meeting, Minister Bhandari expressed confidence that this agreement will further institutionalize and strengthen labor cooperation between Nepal and Saudi Arabia.

He stated, "This agreement will prove to be an important document in making the recruitment process for Nepali general workers transparent, fair, and cost-effective. It will elevate the rights, interests, and job security of Nepalis working in Saudi Arabia to a new height."

The signing of the labor memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia comes after more than a decade of effort. Nepal had been attempting to secure a labor agreement with Saudi Arabia since 2070 BS (approximately 2013/2014 AD). Drafts of the agreement were prepared multiple times for the pact.

The agreement prioritizes issues such as workers' benefits, working conditions, social security, health services, implementation of the labor contract, grievance management, and protection of workers' rights. The agreement ensures the welfare of workers based on the laws of both countries, international labor standards, and mutual understanding.

The Nepali Embassy in Riyadh has stated its belief that this agreement will further strengthen the benefits, security, and stability for Nepali workers currently employed in Saudi Arabia and those planning to go there for employment in the future.

Currently, workers in Saudi Arabia file complaints with the embassy and the Department of Foreign Employment regarding issues such as not receiving minimum wages, alteration of contract letters, being prevented from returning home by companies, and negligence in medical treatment.