Reducing Vulnerability to Exploitation of Nepali Migrant Domestic Workers

Abstract

Policy Context: In 2017, the government of Nepal issued a directive banning international emigration for domestic work, with the aim of protecting Nepali citizens from labour exploitation in the domestic work sector abroad. The ban has since been eased slightly, subject to preconditions including the establishment of Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLA) on domestic work, which are non-legally binding labour migration regulatory frameworks with each receiving country. Despite the ban, overseas employers continue to issue domestic work visas. The ban overlooks evidence of positive outcomes for Nepali domestic workers and leads to several unintended and damaging consequences.

Advice:To address the Nepali migrant domestic workers’ vulnerability to becoming stranded and exploited, the migration ban should be lifted, alongside initiating legally binding negotiations with countries employing these workers. Support mechanisms for domestic workers in host countries and reintegration processes for returnees in Nepal should be strengthened.