Partnership on Protecting and Promoting Rights of Nepali Migrant Workers including Care Migrant Workers (PPR-MW) Project

Background:

Labour migration has significantly contributed to Nepal’s socio-economic development. Remittances sent by migrant workers contribute approximately 25% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reshaping household livelihoods and the national economy. In the fiscal year 2022/23 alone, the Department of Foreign Employment issued around 771,000 labour permits, including renewals indicating that more than 2,000 Nepalis depart daily for foreign employment. Traditional destination countries include Qatar, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, with emerging labour markets in Portugal, Romania, Croatia, Poland, Cyprus, and Germany.

Despite these economic gains, labour migration presents significant challenges. Many Nepali migrant workers face abuse, exploitation, and financial hardship, often beginning with debt incurred during the recruitment process. Research has documented widespread issues such as unpaid wages, confiscation of identity documents, excessively long working hours without rest, restrictions on freedom of movement, deception regarding job conditions, and instances of violence and harassment in the workplace. These concerns underscore the urgent need for stronger protections and ethical recruitment practices to safeguard the rights and well-being of migrant workers.

Hence, to promote rights-based approaches to labour migration, the ILO Country Office in Nepal, with support from GIZ under its Global Programme on Development-Oriented Migration (MEG), is implementing the project titled “Partnership on Protecting and Promoting Rights of Nepali Migrant Workers including Care Migrant Workers (PPPR-MW).” The project focuses on strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders and enhancing coordination among government agencies, recruitment actors, and civil society.

Objectives

The project promotes rights-based labour migration by working with key stakeholders in Nepal, building on ILO’s experience to protect and support Nepali migrant workers.

Outcome and outputs:

Outcome 1: The project supports labour migration stakeholders in promoting rights-based approaches to labour migration in Nepal.

Output 1.1: Capacity of government and recruitment stakeholders to ensure fair recruitment improved.

Output 1.2: Effective protection of Nepali migrant care workers promoted.

Output 1.3: Awareness on extending social protection to migrant workers strengthened.

For further information please contact:

Ram Charmakar

National Project Coordinator

E: [email protected]