March 7: Labourers are still unable to go to Japan and Mauritius despite the government signing labour agreements four years ago. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has stated that a large number of young people are coming to inquire as to when they will be able to go to those countries.

Japan and Mauritius are some of the best-preferred destinations of Nepalese migrant workers. Many people expect a good salary if they get a job in these countries. The Ministry of Labor has been saying that although there is a labour agreement, the matter of supplying labour to those countries has not been finalized as technical issues are being discussed.

"Even though there is a labour agreement, it seems that some issues need to be discussed and consulted. We are making a procedure to send workers to countries with whom there is a labour agreement," said an official of the ministry.

A labour agreement was signed between Nepal and Japan four years ago regarding labour supply. According to government data, more than 8,000 Nepalis will be allowed to go to Japan for work and study annually. It is estimated by the government that more than 70,000 Nepalese are currently employed in Japan.

Likewise, a government-level labour agreement was signed between the government of Mauritius and the government of Nepal also four years ago. 

According to government data, the number of Nepalese who reach Mauritius via  India in search of employment is more than 5,000 every year. The government has signed a labour agreement with Mauritius to send more than 7,000 workers annually.

Most of the workers go to the Gulf countries and Malaysia because they cannot go to good countries in terms of service and facilities. Due to the lack of employment opportunities in the country, there is no alternative to foreign employment. Even though experts suggest that foreign employment and remittances can dry up at any time, the government has not been able to work to create jobs in the country.