Kathmandu: The Supreme Court has kept pending a high-profile case concerning the alleged exploitation of Nepali workers eligible to go to Japan for employment. The writ petition, filed Monday, challenges a 15-year-long system that forces workers—already approved through Japan’s Technical Apprentice Training Program and granted a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and visa—to pay additional fees and undergo unauthorized language tests.

A joint bench of Justices Mahesh Sharma Poudel and Binod Sharma heard the case but did not make it available for review due to the heavy volume of cases. The court has scheduled the matter for presentation and possible hearing on Wednesday.

Advocate Khagendra Prasad Chapagain, representing the victims, expressed optimism that justice will be served. "We have sufficient evidence. This is a clear case of injustice against ordinary Nepali workers," Chapagain said, emphasizing that the verdict would mark the defeat of those who profited from the hardship of aspiring migrant workers.

Accusations of Syndicate, Exploitation, and Legal Violations
The controversy revolves around the Department of Foreign Employment and the JICA Alumni Association Nepal (JAN), which for over 15 years allegedly operated a syndicate to extract money from Japan-bound workers by making them retake language tests—despite their COEs and visas being approved by Japanese authorities.

Critics say this practice violates both Nepali and Japanese laws, as JAN is not a government-recognized body in either country. The test, costing Rs 3,300 per worker, has allegedly been used to unfairly fail and block workers from traveling abroad even after meeting all formal requirements.

Public and Organizational Outrage
The issue has triggered widespread condemnation from stakeholders in Nepal's foreign employment sector. The Foreign Employment Professionals Association, along with multiple labor rights groups, has called for an end to what they describe as a "syndicate-backed exploitation."

Kunchu Dorje Dimdong, Secretary of the association, echoed Chapagain's optimism, saying, “Justice may not have come today, but it will arrive on Wednesday. The truth and the rights of workers cannot be suppressed forever.”

As public outrage intensifies, the Supreme Court's decision on Wednesday is expected to set a major precedent in curbing unauthorized practices in Nepal’s foreign employment system.