In a bid to protect migrant workers from rampant use of forged documents, the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) has decided to preserve valuable documents in a computer database.

The DoFE said it has started the process to preserve the details submitted by workers while acquiring work permit. The decision was made in response to the growing use of forged documents including insurance premium bills, health certificates and pre-departure orientation certificates.

The existing laws make  it mandatory for migrant workers to submit these documents to the ensure safety of overseas-bound workers. However, the provision has been scrutinised lately as many recruiting agencies tend to promote fake certificates in order to acquire work permit.

Officials said the trend has exposed gullible workers to a range of adversities while adjusting themselves at the workplace. The office will start archiving copies of insurance premium in a few weeks. Officials said they have found records of fake health insurance in the past.

“The repercussions of fake insurance policy are huge as workers do not get to claim insurance in case of accidents. Even if the cases of such fake policies are declining due to growing awareness among workers, it remains our top priority,” said Badri Karki, spokesperson of the department. The office is categorising the insurance companies based on the quality of service they offer.

The department plans to preserve other important documents related to work approval including health certificates and pre-departure orientation certificates. As per DoFE estimates, nearly half of the migrant workers purchase fake orientation certificates, while many innocently hand in fake and inaccurate health certificates.

According to sources, the department hopes to prevent file theft. A high level committee formed to look into the problems of foreign employment had recommended the department to start a drop box model filing system with a view to secure daily files.

Several department officials have faced legal action past year after they were found to have authenticated fake certificates while providing work permits.

Published on:  21 April 2014 | The Kathmandu Post