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DOCKING NEPAL’S ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
DoFE to set-up three offices outside capital: The Ministry of Labour,
Employment and Social Security has identified three places outside the capital, Itahari, Janakpur and Butwal, for providing work permits to those willing to go abroad for employment.
The government has also initiated the necessary works for its immediate implementation. It has been asserted that these offices will grant all kinds of work permits authorised by the law, and also migrant workers who are visiting their families do not need
to travel to Kathmandu just to renew their paperwork. The government has also been holding discussions with stakeholders to end all kind of syndicates prevailing in the foreign employment sector and send workers at the lowest possible cost.102
Budget 2016-17 Highlight The key highlights of fiscal budget for FY 2018/19 are as follows: •
Foreign employment opportunities will be used as a short-term strategy until sufficient employment opportunities are generated in the country. Foreign employment will only be allowed after completing intergovernmental labour agreement and skill development training. The services to obtain labour permit will be eased by establishing foreign employment service centres in every province.
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Prime Minister Employment Programme will be initiated to generate employment opportunities. A budget amounting to NPR 3.10 billion (USD 29.19 million) has been allocated for the initiative.
• Migrant workers will be encouraged to send their remittance through banking channel and to invest in the productive sectors belonging to micro and small industries, tourism, agro-business, and employment-oriented service sectors. •
For the youths returning from foreign employment, project-based loan up to NPR 1 million (USD 9,412.65) will be provided after accreditation of skill for the business.
“ OUTLOOK
The government’s efforts to channelize the remittance into productive sectors and bringing in remittance through formal channel could play an important role in reversing the declining remittance. The new directive is also a step in the right direction as the security of the Nepalis going for foreign employment needs to be taken more seriously. However, now with the directive in place, its implementation needs to be prioritised. The government should be proactive to implement the right strategies to comply with its policies.