ILO Nepal, NRNA Join Hands to Strengthen Support Services for Nepali Migrant Workers

Kathmandu: The International Labour Organization (ILO) Nepal and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) have signed an implementation agreement to enhance services and protection for Nepali migrant workers, focusing on capacity building, policy advocacy, and mental health support.

According to the statement released by the ILO, the agreement, signed under its Migrant Rights and Decent Work (MiRiDeW) Phase II Project supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), was inked by ILO Nepal Country Director Numan Özcan and NRNA President Dr. Badri KC. The nine-month initiative, running from September 2025 to May 2026, will strengthen NRNA’s National Coordination Councils in key destination countries, especially in the Middle East and Malaysia. 

Moreover, the partnership will equip NRNA representatives with training, enhance coordination with Nepali diplomatic missions, and provide psychosocial support for vulnerable groups, including women and undocumented workers.

Speaking on the occasion, Numan Özcan, ILO Nepal Country Director, highlighted, “Migrant workers are the backbone of Nepal’s economy, yet too often they face unsafe working conditions, lack of protection, and isolation abroad. Through this partnership with NRNA, we are investing in stronger institutions, better services, and mental health support for the migrant workers. Together, we are building a more coordinated system that ensures Nepali migrants are not only protected but also empowered to contribute with dignity and rights respected.”

Under this nine-month initiative spanning from September 2025 to May 2026, ILO Nepal will collaborate with NRNA, building on the successful partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when both organizations supported thousands of stranded and vulnerable migrants.

In his closing remarks, Dr Badri KC, President, NRNA-International Coordination Council (ICC), said, “With a history of over two decades, NRNA has established National Coordination Councils in more than 90 countries and has over 80,000 registered members. As a trusted partner of the Government of Nepal, NRNA continues to work for the rights and welfare of Nepali migrants worldwide. Labour migration is a key focus, and this partnership provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen services for migrants, one we are fully committed to making a success.”

Such a partnership directly contributes to Nepal’s commitments to protect migrant workers and promote decent work, while also aligning with the ILO’s global efforts to strengthen fair and safe migration governance.