The Nepali embassy in Doha, Qatar, has introduced a mandatory certification provision for Nepali workers to take up jobs in the destination. The embassy has introduced the provision to check exploitation of migrant workers by their Qatari employers.

The decision was taken on the recommendation of Qatar-based Nepali professionals, journalists and welfare organisations, the embassy said in a press statement. The meeting has suggested to implement a mandatory certification provision from the embassy in individual contracts. 

Under the provision, employers have to certify their demand letter, labour contract and work-visa before sending the papers to the job seekers in Nepal, the embassy said. No one can enter Qatar under individual contract from May 1, it said. However, the provision has been introduced in institutional demands only.

For Nepali workers, Qatar is the top hiring country for the last two months, replacing Malaysia from the list of top destination. The destination has hired 7,451 Nepalis in Fagun and 9,246 in Chait. According to Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), 5,38,867 Nepalis are working in Qatar legally. The destination has emerged as the top hiring country through individual contracts with 3,040 workers in Fagun and 2,935 in Chait. Nearly, 30 per cent of the outbound Nepali workers reach Qatar.

According to Ministry of Labour and Transport Management (MoLTM), the decision has been taken as per the foreign employment policy adopted three months ago. It is based on broader principle of safeguarding Nepalis working in Gulf countries, said Purna Chandra Bhattrai, spokesperson of the ministry.

MoLTM has in January introduced mandatory certification for women workers from Nepali diplomatic missions. The provision is first implemented in individual contracts because most women are using it to go to Gulf countries for jobs, he said.

Published on: 5 May 2011 | The Himalayan Times