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.
However, Dr Ayushman Bhagat highlights in this policy brief that the ban has had unintended and damaging consequences including exposing migrant workers to increased risks of exploitation and violence, in addition to overlooking the positive outcomes that often arise from migration for domestic work.
Key recommendations:
- Given that the migration ban has had unintended and damaging consequences, it is recommended that the ban on domestic work migration be lifted.
- Strengthen Support Mechanisms for Migrant Nepali Domestic Workers in Receiving Countries.
- Develop and implement concrete reintegration plans for returnee domestic workers at the local level of governance to assure their social, political and economic empowerment.
- Regulate the Recruitment Industry in Nepal at the local level
Read the full brief.
Cite the brief: Bhagat, Ayushman (2024). Reducing Vulnerability to Exploitation of Nepali Migrant Domestic Workers. Brunel University London. Online resource. https://doi.org/10.17633/rd.brunel.26892934.v1
Image by Ayushman Bhagat.