Iraq, which was once devastated by conflict and war, had proposed to sign a labor agreement with Nepal to bring skilled manpower from Nepal, saying that it would now move forward with infrastructure development. At this time, Nepal can propose a labor agreement that benefits its workers.
What you should know
The policy adopted by the Nepalese government regarding Iraq and its implementation are contradictory. After 12 Nepalis were killed by an Iraqi rebel group on 16 Bhadra 2061, the Nepalese government did not issue work permits citing security reasons.
The Department of Foreign Employment has placed general workers, including domestic workers, in Iraq on the list of 'prohibited destinations'. Therefore, legally, no Nepali is allowed to go to Iraq for employment. However, the process of Nepalis reaching and working in Iraq is ongoing.
In other words, the government's policy is failing in practice. Such a situation has firstly made a mockery of the government's own policy. The government needs to reconsider a policy that cannot or will not be implemented. Alternatively, it would be wise to enter into a labor agreement by clarifying the minimum wage, service facilities, security, protection, etc. that Nepali workers will receive. That would benefit not only the workers, but also the bilateral relations.
Despite the labor ban, about 30,000 Nepalis are working in Iraq and its autonomous state of Kurdistan. There are about 25,000 in Kurdistan alone, and more than 4,000 in Baghdad and the surrounding areas. Nepalis are mostly found working in various sectors, from oil and gas, construction, hotels and restaurants, hospitals, airports, marketing, domestic workers to multinational companies.
Their earnings are also attractive. Many are earning a monthly salary of $500 to $1,200. Some are also running businesses like hotels, restaurants, bars, clothing stores, meat shops, beauty parlors, groceries, travel, and food supplies with their own investments. It is estimated that more than 11 billion rupees in remittances enter Nepal annually from Iraq alone. But there is no system to bring money through formal channels.
Humans are creatures that keep moving. Personality keeps wandering in search of development and opportunities. Therefore, it is now difficult to stop citizens from going to any country, either theoretically or practically. Because, the aspirations, compulsions, determinations, options, and possibilities of citizens have become matters above the laws of the state.
This is a synthesis of the stories and pains of Nepalis who have reached Ukraine to fight in the war or Greece to pick strawberries. If there were sanctions, Nepalis would not have reached Iraq. Therefore, the presence or efforts of the state should be focused on making it easier and safer for citizens, strengthening legal documents, and making them available when citizens seek them. Government representatives should be appointed. Coordination should be increased. Otherwise, state policies will also fail, and citizens will also suffer.
Even if the government closes the legal route, Nepalis are still reaching Iraq. This means that they are going to Iraq illegally. That creates additional risk. Because the investment is not certain and predictable. A large amount of money has to be spent. There is also a risk of fraud. Brokers also help. Going through illegal routes is also insecure. You have to face unnecessary harassment.
Those who reach this way do not have strong documents. It is almost impossible to fight a legal battle as needed. Since they are not in the knowledge or access of the government, it is also difficult to get necessary government services. Even if rescue or other security arrangements are needed in the future, they may not receive support from the government.
Similarly, even if they earn well after reaching Iraq, it is difficult to send them to Nepal legally or to return on their own. Due to the ban, Nepalis cannot travel to their own country. As a result, there are some who have been living there for more than a decade. There is another side to the family separation and its impact.
Instead of imposing restrictions on any country that Nepalis can and are reaching, it is appropriate to open the way to and from Nepal in a systematic manner by making appropriate labor agreements. Iraq has also been trying to lift the restrictions repeatedly through various means.
Last time, in Bhadra 2081, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iraqi Embassy in New Delhi, Najam Mirzan, met the Acting Ambassador in New Delhi, Surendra Thapa, and urged him to lift the restrictions imposed on his country.
Iraq, which was once devastated by conflict and war, had proposed to enter into a labor agreement with Nepal to bring skilled manpower from Nepal, saying that it would now move forward with infrastructure development. At this time, Nepal can propose a labor agreement that benefits its workers. Iraq can also agree to that. That will be in the interest of Nepalis.
