Kathmandu: The Nepali government has issued a stern caution to its citizens amidst a surge in fraudulent schemes promising lucrative job opportunities abroad. The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security (MoLESS) has sounded the alarm, urging Nepali youth to remain vigilant against deceptive practices targeting hopeful migrants.
In a recent statement, MoLESS highlighted the proliferation of fraudulent activities enticing individuals with the allure of employment in prosperous nations such as Europe, America, Japan, Korea, and Israel. The ministry emphasized that legal action, as stipulated by the Foreign Employment Act of 2064 BS, awaits those found complicit in such schemes.
Under Section 43 of the Act, severe penalties await perpetrators engaging in unauthorized foreign employment activities or deceiving individuals with false promises of overseas jobs. These penalties include the recovery of transferred funds, hefty fines ranging from Rs 300,000 to Rs 500,000, and imprisonment for three to seven years for facilitating illegal migration for employment.
MoLESS reaffirmed its dedication, in collaboration with regulatory agencies, to combatting illegal practices in foreign employment. It expressed concern over the dissemination of misleading information via social media platforms and cautioned against the exploitation of citizens for financial gain through deceptive tactics.
The ministry underscored the importance of adhering to three essential criteria when seeking overseas employment opportunities: Firstly, opting for countries with established Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements with Nepal; secondly, pursuing employment through authorized institutions after completing all official procedures; and finally, ensuring compliance with labor agreements and obtaining employer-approved visas when pursuing individual endeavors.
MoLESS reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe and dignified foreign employment by implementing robust policies, legal frameworks, and institutional mechanisms. It urged aspiring migrant workers to exercise caution and adhere to legal procedures to safeguard their interests when pursuing opportunities abroad.