Nepal marks International Migrants Day, increases compensation for families of deceased workers

Nepal observed International Migrants Day on December 18, with the theme “Employment with Information and Skills: Basis of Safe Migration.” The day, commemorated globally, highlights the contributions of migrants to both their host and home countries while raising awareness of the challenges they face. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families on this date in 1990.

A special program was organized by Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, where Minister for Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, emphasized the importance of utilizing the skills and capital earned by Nepali workers abroad for self-employment and national economic development.

Minister Bhandari announced that the government has increased the compensation for families of migrant workers who die during foreign employment from NPR 700,000 to NPR 1 million. He also assured efforts to address the challenges faced by Nepalis working abroad without proper permits, many of whom encounter legal and personal difficulties.

The day served as a reminder of the significant role migration plays in global development. According to the World Migration Report 2024 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there are an estimated 281 million migrants worldwide, of which 169 million are migrant workers. Factors such as poverty, war, internal conflict, climate change, and the search for better opportunities continue to drive global migration.

The event underscored the need for safer migration practices and support for migrant workers, who remain integral to economic growth and development both in Nepal and globally.