SAARC Takes Up Workers Issue On-Board For The First Time

Kathmandu, 27 November 2014, After a long deliberation and lobby with the Government of Nepal by SARTUC General Secretary Laxman Basnet, SAARC Kathmandu Declaration has acknowledged migration as one of the emerging issues in South Asia, thus adopting the agenda of migration with an aim of bringing out common labor law for the region.

SAARC countries share many of the same challenges and opportunities related to the recruitment and employment of its out-bound migrant workers. With the agenda on table, SAARC countries are bound to benefit through discussions and agreement on reducing recruitment costs and promoting fair recruitment practices, wage protection and fair remuneration.

Mr. Laxman Basnetwas pleased by the efforts of MoLE and the Government of Nepal for pitching and getting the issue on board. On the occasion, Mr. Basnet said, in the history of SAARC this is the first time workers issues has been acknowledged, he added, we will need to work towards developing a common policy for the region to secure the rights and welfare of migrant workers.