”The 10-point criteria sent by Malaysia are only a proposal. This is not the final one,” said a note issued by the Prime Minister's Office, stating the conclusion of the discussion.
What you should know
The Nepal government has stated that the letter from Malaysia regarding new standards set for manpower companies in source countries has only come in the form of a proposal.
A meeting of Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Law Minister Anil Kumar Sinha, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, Labor Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar and others at Singha Durbar on Friday in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki said that Malaysia's letter has been taken as a proposal.
'The 10-point criteria sent by Malaysia are only a proposal. This is not the final one,' the note issued by the Prime Minister's Office said, stating that the conclusion of the discussion, 'Therefore, through bilateral negotiations, decent and safe employment will be ensured in the maximum interest of both Nepali workers and businessmen.'
Malaysia had set 10 criteria for manpower from 5 countries including Nepal to 'select an appropriate number of manpower companies to practice decent labor migration between the two countries.' The source country has been given a deadline of Kartik 27 to recommend a manpower company according to those criteria.
According to the criteria, the license must have been in place for five years, at least three thousand workers must have been sent within five years, workers must have been sent to at least three countries, an office spread over 10,000 square feet, the manpower company operator must have a certificate of good character, and must not have been involved in forced labor, human trafficking, violation of labor laws, currency embezzlement and other economic crimes.
The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security on Friday stated that the ministry would discuss the Malaysian criteria with all stakeholders within the framework of the Constitution of Nepal, the labor and employment policy adopted by Nepal, the Foreign Employment Act and Regulations, bilateral treaties and agreements, and international law and make an appropriate decision.
The Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association has expressed disagreement with the Malaysian criteria.
‘The decision and proposal of the Malaysian government have given a clear indication of establishing syndicates in source countries including Nepal and favoring/involving some limited individuals.’ Which seems to trample on fair and healthy competition, transparency and equal employment opportunities and create a monopoly market that is prohibited by the Constitution and laws of Nepal,' said Chairman Bhuwan Gurung.
