Kathmandu: The fifth thematic discussion of the Nepal Forum on Migration and Development (NFMD) held on July 25. The discussion highlighted the importance of advancing ethnic recruitment and strengthening labour migration governance in Nepal. The NFMD is the joint initiative of the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment (MoYLE) and IOM and aims to support Nepal’s initiatives to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration, achieve SDGs and its role as a Champion Country of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM). IOM Nepal stated that the Forum serves as a flexible, multi-stakeholder platform for discussions, collaboration, and practical outcomes related to migration and development.
The NFMD brought together government officials, development partners, the private sector, migrants and international experts, the forum focused on practical solutions to reduce recruitment costs, strengthen labour migration governance and better protect the rights of Nepali migrant workers throughout the migration cycle.
Opening the forum, Hon. Ramjee Yadav, Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment, highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts to address high recruitment costs through evidence-based reforms and stronger implementation mechanisms. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a labour migration system that upholds dignity, transparency, and decent work for all.
“Ethical recruitment is key to protecting migrant workers and ensuring migration is safe, dignified and rights-based,” said Helene Fors, Chief of Mission of IOM Nepal. “Nepal has shown strong leadership through its policy reforms and global commitments, and IOM remains committed to supporting the Government in strengthening ethical recruitment and labour migration governance,” she added.
The forum also showcased regional good practices and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation with destination countries, promote ethical recruitment and improve employment conditions for Nepali migrant workers. The discussion featured the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, who shared the country’s experience in regulating recruitment processes and recruitment costs and fees. The Responsible Business Alliance highlighted employer-led efforts to advance responsible recruitment, and IOM’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, presented positive practices and policy developments from across the region.
IOM Nepal further stated that recommendations from the panel discussion and forum will help inform future policy dialogue and evidence-based reforms, strengthen cooperation with destination countries and support government’s efforts to build a more transparent, accountable and rights-based labour migration system.
The forum was supported by the IOM Development Fund.
