It has been half a century since Nepalis started going to Saudi Arabia, the main labor destination of Nepali. Nepalis who started going there since 1980s are in service, construction and domestic jobs. Apart from domestic workers, about four lakh Nepalis are working in Saudi Arabia.

In the last fiscal year alone, 73,000 Nepalese went there for labor. Although there is a labor relationship of more than four decades, there is no labor agreement between these two countries. However, in recent days, the two countries have agreed to make such an agreement. which will legally establish the international reputation of the Saudi labor market and the rights of Nepali workers. 

Labor, Employment and Social Security Minister Sharatsingh Bhandari and his Saudi counterpart Ahmad bin Salman bin Abdullahjiz Al Raji agreed to a labor agreement in a meeting held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It is said that the date of signing will be decided after the completion of the legal process. Agreeing on a labor agreement is a positive achievement. Now, the Nepalese side should make efforts to prepare the final document of the agreement by including the matters of its interest and to sign it.

The initiative for labor contracts has been moving forward since 2010. However, it was not the main priority of Saudi Arabia. But due to some changes in the situation in recent years, he is now ready for a labor contract. For Saudi Arabia, which is the dominant country in the Arab region, there is an obligation to establish a certain and transparent system for workers brought to their country.

The Saudis adopting the kafala system, which is interpreted as a modern slave system on the international stage, have to show that they prioritize the human rights of workers. As the host of the 2034 World Cup football tournament, he will have to be careful not to raise questions about the human rights of workers in his country.

Nepalis are only around two percent of the total workers who come to work in Saudi Arabia. There are most Bengalis and Indians. Saudi Arabia also wants to increase the number of Nepali workers due to the need to balance the numerical ratio of workers. That is why the demand for Nepali workers has started to increase.

They need labor force. Nepali workers are sought to be increased because they are considered to be hardworking and reliable, and can fit in any kind of work. It includes both unskilled and skilled workers. Domestic workers are also included. That's why it seems that the beginning of the process of taking Nepali through a systematic process by signing a labor contract is also a priority of Saudi Arabia.

Nepali workers have a long relationship with Saudi Arabia, so our interest in Saudi Arabia is public. Therefore, the labor contract should be strengthened based on the experience gained so far. Saudi Arabia does not set a minimum wage for foreign workers. Nepal said that it has been concerned that it should set or implement the salary set by Nepal.

Nepal has now implemented a thousand real except for food and accommodation. Companies can hire Nepali workers only if they have given permission to pay such wages. The company gives permission when the workers are taken, but they don't give it when they get there. The implementation of the law should be ensured in this matter.

Similarly, the contract period of Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia is two years. It is in Nepal's interest that workers should not be stopped if they want to return in the meantime. But now there is an obligation to take an 'Exit Permit' and only the company has the right to such a 'Permit'. Because of this, there is a problem of easy return even after the contract period is over. Therefore, a system of easy return home should be made. Employment change is another matter of concern.