EDITORIAL

It has long been known that Nepali workers in the Gulf countries face appalling conditions at both their workplace and living quarters. There are regular new reports and efforts to campaign on their behalf. A number of NGOs also exist that seek to ameliorate their suffering. Yet, most of the time, there is little outrage. Hundreds of thousands of Nepalis work in the Gulf and their hardships are usually taken as a matter of course. Last week, The Guardian, a prominent UK newspaper, published investigative reports that detailed the horrific conditions under which migrant labourers from South Asia are forced to work. This report provoked outrage and awakened consciences in Nepal and abroad. Since then, there have been demands on the Nepal government to take proactive steps to improve the work conditions of thousands of its citizens working in the Gulf. This is a positive demand but action needs to be taken soon. If nothing is done, the outrage will soon dissipate and the matter risks being forgotten.

To its credit, the government has responded by asking its embassy in Doha to submit a detailed report regarding the conditions of migrant workers there. This is important but it is only the first step in a long process. On social media and other venues, many have expressed anger that the government has not done anything to improve the situation of Nepali workers in the Gulf. It is true that the government could do more. For example, it has long been argued that Nepal needs more diplomatic missions with labour attaches in the Gulf to provide support to Nepali citizens. Generally, however, it has to be recognised that Nepal individually has little bargaining power; the Gulf countries are far more powerful. Nepal also cannot prevent Nepalis from migrating to the Gulf, as there is a severe lack of jobs within the country.

So what can be done? It is perhaps time for Nepal to develop a collective bargaining position. After all, not only Nepali migrants suffer in the Gulf. Workers from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, among other countries, are in the same position. Ideally, all these countries’ governments should consult each other and develop a common position and a list of mutual demands for submission to the Gulf countries. This should include a list of rights and freedoms that should be allowed for migrant workers and should specify the minimum acceptable salary and living conditions. A regional body like Saarc could be the formal venue at which these demands can be discussed. Only in this way can countries like Nepal gain the negotiating power necessary to transform the situation of its citizens in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Published on: 30 September 2013 | The Kathmandu Post