Parliamentary briefing – Domestic work migration bans in Nepal

Abstract

This briefing examines Nepal's ban on domestic work migration, in place since 2017, and its impact on Nepali women who migrate through irregular channels. It summarises the evidence on why the ban increases rather than reduces vulnerability to exploitation, and makes five policy recommendations including lifting the ban immediately, extending consular protection regardless of migration status, and pursuing bilateral labour agreements as a parallel track rather than a precondition.