Government representatives, workers' and employers' organizations, researchers, civil society, and development partners met in Kathmandu to review findings from two new studies that can help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen protection and support for Nepali migrant workers across the migration cycle.
The two draft reports examine, respectively, the situation of Nepali migrant care and domestic workers, and the social protection systems available to Nepali migrant workers in Nepal and selected destination countries.
Labour migration continues to play an important role in Nepal's economy and in the livelihoods of many households. At the same time, migrant workers may face a range of challenges before departure, during employment abroad, and upon return. These can include difficulties related to recruitment costs, access to information, continuity of social protection, awareness of entitlements, and access to support services and grievance mechanisms.
The findings discussed at the consultation highlight areas where policies, systems and services may be further strengthened to better respond to the needs of migrant workers and their families. Particular attention was given to women migrant workers in care and domestic work, whose experiences can involve specific risks and barriers that require tailored and gender-responsive responses.
© Nistha Rayamajhi/ILO
The review also noted Nepal's important progress in recent years, including measures related to the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund, insurance provisions, and the Social Security Fund, as well as improvements in labour migration governance and digital systems. Stakeholders emphasized that continued dialogue and evidence-based reflection can help improve access, awareness, coordination and practical use of these mechanisms.
"These studies are intended to support constructive discussion among stakeholders on how existing systems can work better for migrant workers and their families," said Numan Özcan, ILO Country Director for Nepal. "They offer useful evidence to help inform future policy consideration and practical improvements in areas such as fair recruitment, social protection, service delivery, and support across the migration cycle."
The draft reports underline that migrant workers benefit most when protection systems are not seen in isolation, but as part of a broader continuum that links safe migration, rights at work, social protection, access to information, and reintegration support.
© Nistha Rayamajhi/ILO
Stakeholders reviewing the findings noted that stronger awareness of available schemes, easier access to services, better continuity of contributions, and improved coordination among institutions can all contribute to better outcomes for workers and their families. The consultation also provided an opportunity to reflect on how national measures can complement protections available in destination countries and support more coherent responses over time.
© Nistha Rayamajhi/ILO
The feedback received during the review process will help further refine the reports and contribute to ongoing policy dialogue on how to make labour migration safer, fairer and more supportive of decent work outcomes for Nepali migrant workers.
The reports were prepared under the ILO-GIZ project on Partnership on Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Nepali Migrant Workers (PPPR-MW).
