Kathmandu: The Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association, along with other concerned organizations, has expressed strong objection to what they call unfair treatment of Nepali workers eligible for employment in Japan. The objection centers around the continued hurdles placed on workers who have already received Certificates of Eligibility (COE) from Japanese immigration.

According to the organizations, Nepali workers are being unjustly prevented from traveling to Japan due to a mandatory language test imposed by an NGO, JICA Alumni Association Nepal (JAN), which is not recognized by Japanese or Nepali law for this function.

Legal Procedures Ignored, Workers Barred After COE Issuance
Acting General Secretary of the Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association, Kunchu Dorje Dimdong, criticized the obstruction of workers who had already fulfilled all legal procedures, including obtaining a visa based on a COE. He stated that the imposition of an additional exam by JAN violates the Foreign Employment Act 2064 and bilateral understandings between Nepal and Japan.

Dimdong also urged member organizations to submit records of workers who were denied the opportunity to work in Japan after failing JAN’s exam despite holding valid COEs.

Supreme Court Show Cause Order and Demand for Interim Relief
A writ petition was recently filed in the Supreme Court against JAN and three government agencies, alleging they collaborated to block legally eligible workers from employment opportunities in Japan. The petition claims workers were forced to pay additional fees under the pretext of a language test, even after fulfilling all immigration and visa requirements.

The Supreme Court has issued a show cause order, asking the defendants to justify their actions. The petitioners have also demanded an interim order to halt JAN's activities, calling it an illegal assignment of governmental duties to a private NGO.

JAN Suspends Exams Pending Verdict
Following the court proceedings, JAN has temporarily suspended its examination activities. JAN Chairman Dr. Ramchandra Bhusal stated on Tuesday that the organization has decided not to conduct further exams until the court delivers its final verdict. “Although we feel it may not be necessary, we will respect the court's process and not hold any exams for now,” Bhusal said.

This case has sparked national attention, with growing scrutiny over the legal boundaries of non-governmental entities in foreign employment and the need for transparency and fairness in overseas job opportunities for Nepali citizens.