Labour–Immigration rift over documents leaves migrant workers in limbo

Kathmandu, April 13

A lack of coordination between the Department of Foreign Employment and the Department of Immigration has once again created difficulties for migrant workers leaving for foreign employment.

The dispute between the two agencies has resurfaced over additional documents required at the airport. The Department of Foreign Employment recently issued a notice mandating that workers present their air ticket, ticket invoice, and receipt for service fees paid to manpower agencies at the airport.

However, the Department of Immigration clarified that only basic documents, such as a passport and labour approval, are required, stating that no additional paperwork is necessary. This conflicting stance has revived tensions between the two bodies.

A similar dispute had occurred in July 2023, when 138 Nepali workers travelling to Kuwait were stopped at Tribhuvan International Airport despite holding valid labour approvals, leading to a public exchange of statements between the two departments.

Following the latest directive, concerns have been raised across the foreign employment sector. The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies objected to the provision, arguing that making receipts mandatory without prior policy reform would unnecessarily burden workers.

Experts have also criticised the move as impractical. Labour and migration expert Rameshwor Nepal termed the decision “immature,” noting that under the implementation of the “free visa, free ticket” policy in destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the UAE, and Mauritius, workers often do not possess such receipts.

He emphasised that policy decisions should be made through proper consultation and coordination, warning that inconsistent directives ultimately place undue hardship on migrant workers.

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