Government Moves to End Exploitation in Foreign Employment, Reviews ‘Free Visa, Free Ticket’ Policy

The Government of Nepal has stepped up efforts to reform the country’s foreign employment sector, aiming to end the financial exploitation of migrant workers who are often forced to take high-interest loans, sell property, or mortgage family assets in order to secure jobs abroad. Minister for Youth and Sports and Labour and Employment, Ramji Yadav, said the government is working to make foreign employment safer, more transparent, and practical through comprehensive policy reforms.

Addressing the Fifth Nepal Forum on Migration and Development, jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Minister Yadav announced that the government has begun reviewing the long-standing “Free Visa, Free Ticket” policy. Introduced in 2015, the policy has largely remained ineffective in practice, and the government now plans to revise it to ensure its proper implementation.

The minister stated that once the proposed amendment to the Foreign Employment Act, 2007 (2064 B.S.) is approved, institutions and agencies complying with the law will be encouraged, while those violating regulations will face stricter legal action. He also said the entire recruitment process will be fully digitized to improve transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring.

Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, Minister Yadav said he had observed weaknesses in the implementation of foreign employment policies even before assuming office. To address these challenges scientifically and systematically, the government has formed a high-level task force to review and strengthen the existing policy framework.

Highlighting the hardships faced by migrant workers, Yadav said many Nepalis continue to borrow money at exorbitant interest rates, sell land, or mortgage their wives’ jewelry to finance overseas employment. He also referred to a study conducted at Tribhuvan International Airport, which found that many workers were reluctant to disclose the actual amount they had paid for recruitment due to fear of losing their jobs.

According to the minister, only around 7 percent of Nepali migrant workers currently secure overseas jobs through ethical recruitment practices without paying recruitment fees. The government’s long-term objective is to implement a 100 percent “Employer Pays” model, under which employers would bear all recruitment costs. To achieve this, the government plans to discourage unhealthy competition among manpower agencies while promoting direct recruitment mechanisms.

Speaking at the event, Helen Fores, Chief of Mission of IOM Nepal, praised Nepal’s leadership in promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration. She said Nepal has demonstrated strong commitment by translating global migration agreements into national action plans and reaffirmed IOM’s continued partnership with the Government of Nepal in strengthening migration governance.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has also launched an online grievance platform called “Ujuri.DOFE” through the Department of Foreign Employment. The platform enables migrant workers to register complaints and report problems related to foreign employment through a digital system, making grievance handling more accessible and efficient.

The government reiterated its commitment to transforming Nepal’s foreign employment sector through legal, policy, and technological reforms. Officials said recommendations from the conference would be incorporated into future policy measures aimed at reducing the financial burden on migrant workers, institutionalizing ethical recruitment practices, and ensuring a safer and more transparent foreign employment system.