Business»
Malaysia may open doors for security guards
KATHMANDU, FEB 06 -
Foreign employment entrepreneurs have urged the government to lobby with their Malaysian counterparts to re-open the country for Nepalis to work their as security guards in view of a huge scope for employment for them there.
According to the entrepreneurs, Malaysian business community is positive on hiring security guards from Nepal. Once the country re-opens the door, Malaysia may hire 25,000 to 50,000 security guards from Nepal.
"The demand for security guards will increase heavily if the government can lobby to re-open Malaysia," said Kumud Khanal, Secretary at the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies, who is also coordinator of Nepali agencies sending workers to Malaysia.
Malaysia-the largest labour destination for Nepali workers-had stopped taking Nepali security guards unilaterally two months ago after the Malaysian Home Ministry proposed to use Civil Defence Department (JPAM) and People's Volunteer Crops (Rela) members to replace foreign security guards. Besides, Nepali security guards' weak comprehension of English language and increasing trend of sending guards without police and military training required for security sector employment in Malaysia were other factors.
"Many security guards having no security force background were found leaving the country," said Khanal. "There should be some institutions in Nepal to provide training for aspiring people who want to work in Malaysia as security guards."
Earlier, the Nepali security guards were in top priority in Malaysian firms. There are 75,000 to 100,000 security guards in Malaysia, of some 15,000 are said to be working illegally.
Nepali security guards earn around Rs. 27,500 to Rs. 31,900 depending upon the companies they are working for. As banks and some companies pay additionally, security guards may even earn about Rs. 33,000. Normally, security guards get work permit for two years and later on it can be extended by three more years.
"Malaysia is expected to revise the policy on migrant workers in March," said Khanal. "If the government takes an initiative, it can be very fruitful for Nepal."
Purna Chandra Bhattarai, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management said that Nepali envoy to Malaysia is expected to arrive in Nepal some time next week and then discussions on issues related to labour export to Malaysia will be discussed.
Headlines
Advertisements
