Nepal Government Reviews Decade-Old 'Free Visa, Free Ticket' Policy for Overseas Employment

Kathmandu. A decade after its implementation, the government has initiated homework to review the 'Free Visa, Free Ticket' policy enforced for foreign employment in Gulf countries.

Ever since this policy was implemented, manpower agencies have been demanding a review, stating that it has become difficult for them to even cover operational costs.

The government has moved forward with the review homework as the policy's practical implementation has been weak. The Ministry of Labour has begun studying the positive and negative aspects of the policy, while agencies have labeled the Free Visa, Free Ticket policy a curse and stressed the need for immediate change.

Officials from the Ministry of Labour stated that manpower agencies have long been drawing attention, both in writing and verbally, to review this decision, citing difficulties in covering office operating expenses. Furthermore, several reports formed by the ministry at various times have also suggested reviewing the Free Visa, Free Ticket policy, which is why the study has been initiated.

According to Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Pitambar Ghimire, the review has begun as a decade has passed since this policy was implemented. He mentioned that currently, the positive and negative aspects of the policy are being examined. The review aims to determine whether the original intent of the government policy was fulfilled at the time of its introduction and what impact it had on the agencies. Further decisions will be made after the study and analysis, he added.

He added that the Labour Minister is also showing interest in the implementation of this policy.

Joint Secretary Ghimire of the Ministry of Labour stated, 'The decision for Free Visa, Free Ticket for going to Gulf countries was made and implemented a decade ago. For a long time, manpower agencies related to foreign employment have been saying that it has become difficult for them to even cover operational costs due to this decision needing a review. They have been demanding a review of this decision both in writing and verbally. Some reports formed by the ministry at various times have also suggested reviewing the Free Visa, Free Ticket. More than a decade has passed since this policy was implemented. Currently, the positive and negative aspects of this policy are being examined. We are reviewing whether the intent of the government policy was fulfilled at the time it was introduced and what impact it had on the agencies. The study and analysis work is currently underway. A decision on reviewing the policy will be made after reaching a conclusion. The Labour Minister is also showing interest in the implementation of this policy.'

Meanwhile, Bhuwan Gurung, Chairman of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs (NAFEE), stated that the review of this policy should not be delayed as it was implemented without proper study. According to him, only the respective countries have the right to decide whether to send workers for free or for a fee; Nepal cannot unilaterally decide this. He stressed that the policy must be reviewed immediately, considering the practical aspects.

Chairman Gurung said, 'The Free Visa, Free Ticket was actually a decision made unilaterally without any agreement with the concerned countries, and without study and research. It is a curse. As a result, the state cannot collect revenue, and entrepreneurs are also unable to prosper. Due to the policy implemented without study, workers are also unable to go abroad safely. Therefore, the Free Visa, Free Ticket must be reviewed. Demand letters are sometimes for a fee and sometimes for free. The demand letter from any country is not something we can choose; it depends on that country's needs. We cannot write in the policy that a paid demand is free. Therefore, under the name of Free Visa, Free Ticket, neither can businesses thrive, nor can the state collect revenue. That is why a review is necessary. Some companies in certain countries also provide Free Visa, Free Ticket. Various American-invested companies provide Free Visa, Free Ticket in any country, and entrepreneurs are complying with that. Companies sending goods to European countries also provide Free Visa, Free Ticket. However, that possibility does not exist in the local market. It is not right to have a Free Visa, Free Ticket policy only on paper where there is no possibility. This causes difficulties for everyone. The decision regarding costs was made at the ministerial level in Baisakh 2060 BS. At that time, 70,000 was set for Middle Eastern nations and 80,000 for Malaysia. Following that trend, the Free Visa, Free Ticket decision was made in 2072 BS.'

He stated that Nepal competes with 14 Asian countries in sending workers. The cost should be determined in a timely manner according to international standards and practices. Entrepreneurs are ready to accept that determination. He concluded that the foreign employment sector should be made more systematic and secure by reviewing this policy.