July 16: The enrollment of migrant workers in the Social Security Fund (SSF) has witnessed a significant rise, indicating a positive trend. These are workers who have obtained labor permits and ventured abroad for employment.

Currently, a total of 260,082 migrant workers have joined the social security scheme administered by the SSF.

On March 22, 2023, the government implemented a provision mandating the association of migrant workers with the Social Security Fund.

According to this provision, workers intending to work overseas must register with the Fund before acquiring their work permits.

Within the formal sector, 423,092 workers have already been enrolled in the Fund. Additionally, a combined total of 639,174 workers, including those from the formal sector and overseas employment sector, have been associated with the Fund.

The Fund has disbursed claims amounting to Rs 5 billion to contributors under various social security schemes. Bibek Panthi, the spokesperson for the Fund, reported that 18,000 employers have also registered with the Fund, contributing a total of Rs 36.26 billion to date.

The Fund collects a monthly contribution of 11 percent from workers in the formal sector and 20 percent from employers.

So far, a total of 88,585 contributors have received different entitlements from the Fund, highlighting its active role in providing benefits and support to eligible individuals. (RSS)