Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala today urged Malaysia to ensure the basic rights and safety of thousands of Nepalis who are working in the East Asian country.
After receiving Malaysian Minister for Human Resources Richard Riot at his official residence, Prime Minister Koirala requested him to resolve the issues related to visa difficulties of Nepalis who are contributing to the development of Malaysia, according to a statement released by PM’s press coordinator Prakash Adhikari.
The prime minister also thanked the Government of Malaysia for providing job opportunities and employment for Nepali nationals for over a decade. Minister Riot lauded Nepali workers as trustworthy, loyal, hard-working and competent and appreciated their contribution towards economic development of Malaysia, according to a separate statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Riot handed over a cheque for Rs 300,000 to PM Koirala on behalf of Malaysian Airlines and Malaysian nationals residing in Nepal as a contribution to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund. Prime Minister Koirala thanked the Malaysian community in Nepal for their help.
Earlier, Riot had called on Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey and discussed matters relating to Nepal-Malaysia cooperation in foreign employment and promotion of bilateral trade and investment.
Riot also held bilateral talks with Minister of State for Labour and Employment Tek Bahadur Gurung. They have agreed to form a Joint Working Group to finalise the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Labour within this year.
Riot appreciated the contribution made by Gorkha soldiers in the early history of Malaysia which contributed to the maintenance of peace, stability and integrity of Malaysia, read the statement.
Both of the Nepali ministers emphasised on importance of making the foreign employment sector more systematic, reliable, transparent and cost-effective. Riot arrived in Kathmandu yesterday for a two-day working visit.
Source: The Himalayan Times
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