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Migrant workers’ departure rises
KATHMANDU, MAY 20 -
The number of migrant workers going abroad increased by 24.65 percent during the first 10 months of the fiscal year despite a passport shortage that has slowed down departures.
According to the Department of Foreign Employment, departures numbered 230,934 during the period compared to 185,263 workers travelling overseas during the same period last year.
Mohan Krishna Sapkota, director general at the department, said that though growth was remarkable compared to previous records in recent times, quality workforce was still lacking for the country to take more advantage from foreign employment. "We have asked the National Planning Commi-ssion to come up with plans to produce skilled workers," said Sapkota. He added that the government could involve CTEVT and other government-owned training organisations to offer such training.
During the period under review, Malaysia was the largest job market for Nepali workers taking in 82,927 individuals. It had absorbed 14,051 individuals, the highest monthly record so far during the 10-month period (Mid-April to mid-May) of the current fiscal year. Saudi Arabia, which used to be ranked as the top country for foreign employment, took in 50,085 workers during the period. Similarly, Qatar, ranked as the third top country, gave jobs to 47,675 Nepali workers.
The UAE and Kuwait took in 28,356 and 7,330 workers respectively. Kuwait provided jobs to 2,187 persons during the period. Foreign employment agencies said that the number would have increased further if the government had issued passports conveniently from all the districts.
"We have demand for workers, but we have not been able to send them due to lack of passports," said Narayan Bastola, manager of Fusion International which specializes in sending workers to Malaysia.
Posted on: 2010-05-21 08:52
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