ILO, EU to support welfare of Nepali migrant workers

International Labour Organisation (ILO) and European Union (EU) jointly launched a 2.41 million euros project in Kathmandy today aiming at promoting the welfare of 'vulnerable migrant workers' from Nepal, India and Pakistan to the Gulf countries.

The project 'Promoting Effective Governance of Labour Migration from South Asia' is expected to enhance the development impact of labour migration and reduce unregulated migration, said a press release issued jointly by them.

The project that will contribute to ensure effective protection of the rights of 'vulnerable migrant workers', has a migrant-centred approach," said director of the ILO Country Office in Nepal Jose Assaline, on the occasion.

"It will provide support to some 20,000 migrant workers," he said, adding that it includes access to reliable information on overseas employment opportunities, reduced migration costs and abuses by improving recruitment services; increased protection in countries of origin and destination as well as enhanced training and portability of skills for outgoing and returning migrant workers.
Out of the total 2,407,186 euro allocated for the project called EU will contribute 1,925,749 euro and the rest will be borne by the ILO.
"The project aims at achieving access to reliable information on overseas employment opportunities, reduced migration costs and abuses by improving recruitment facilities, increased protection in countries of origin and destination as well as enhanced training and portability of skills for outgoing and returning migrant workers," according to the ILO.