Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has called upon Nepali ambassadors stationed abroad to take proactive measures to protect the rights and interests of Nepali migrant workers. During a meeting with Nepali ambassadors, particularly those serving in labor destination countries, the Prime Minister expressed concern about the various challenges faced by Nepali migrant workers in foreign labor markets.

In an unprecedented move, the government has summoned the heads and representatives of Nepali diplomatic missions to Kathmandu for a two-day meeting to address issues related to migrant labor. During the meeting, the envoys presented the Prime Minister with a comprehensive plan of action to address these pressing issues.

PM Dahal emphasized the importance of promoting international diplomatic relations and Nepal's tourism industry while also resolving the issues faced by migrant laborers in a sustainable manner. This meeting is seen as a significant step toward ensuring the safe and fair migration of Nepali workers and protecting their rights.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant role of foreign employment in alleviating domestic job crises, bridging balance of payments gaps, attracting capital, skills, and technology to Nepal, and enhancing the country's international relations. However, he also highlighted the major challenges faced by Nepali workers abroad, including fraud, human rights violations, delayed rescue operations, and workplace hazards.

PM Dahal stressed the need for robust labor diplomacy to ensure safe, fair, and systematic labor migration while guaranteeing workers a minimum level of facilities and social security. He called upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors, and labor administration to be proactive in safeguarding the rights of Nepali migrant workers.

Simultaneously, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities within the domestic labor market and achieving safe, fair, and systematic foreign employment. He also addressed the trade deficit as a significant economic challenge for Nepal and called for diversifying country-wise and commodity trade to favor Nepal's trade balance.

PM Dahal directed the adoption of technology-based consular services to facilitate a smooth and effective service delivery process for laborers heading abroad. He mentioned the government's initiative to include foreign workers in the social security system and urged all ambassadors to actively contribute to this goal.

The Prime Minister also urged the immediate commencement of work on action plans to revise and expand bilateral labor agreements, verify job demand letters, provide legal defense support, address issues related to domestic workers, ensure safe accommodation, and register laborers not currently in the system.

PM Dahal expressed confidence that this interaction would significantly contribute to resolving the challenges faced by Nepali workers abroad, strengthening and expanding Nepal's diplomatic capacity, fostering an environment conducive to foreign direct investment in the country, and promoting multi-dimensional development.