Minister of State for Labour and Transport Management Ramesh Lekhak (File Photo)
Minister of State for Labour and Transport Management Ramesh Lekhak said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nepal is essential to protect the rights of Nepalis workers.

Lekhak while inaugurating the First Nepali job fair in the UAE on Wednesday said that some 1.2 million Nepalis are working abroad – therefore, the government needs to ensure their welfare.

“There are several problems facing our workers both at the country of origin, as well as at the country of destination, therefore an MoU is essential to ensure the welfare of our workers and regulate their recruitment,” he added.

“The export of manpower plays an important role in our country’s economic growth as it has helped reduce poverty,” Lekhak said.

The UAE is one of the biggest employment destinations for Nepali workers. According to figures, around 10 percent of all Nepalis employed abroad are in the UAE.

Ahmad Kajour, undersecretary for planning at the Ministry of Labour of the UAE, supporting Lekhak’s statement said such MoU would enable both countries to systematise the labour force flow into the UAE and prevent the exploitation of workers.

The content of the MoU draft is said to be under discussion.