Manpower agencies to shut down nationwide from August 17

Manpower agencies across Nepal have announced a nationwide shutdown effective August 17, halting the dispatch of workers abroad. The decision follows the failure of negotiations with the government to address the association's demands within a set deadline.

The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies has presented a 15-point list of grievances to the government. Key demands include revising the service fees charged to workers seeking overseas employment and withdrawing disciplinary actions taken by the Department of Foreign Employment.

Association President Dik Bahadur Khatri stated that discussions with the Ministry of Youth and Employment are ongoing, even as the protest continues. "We are now going to the Ministry of Youth and Employment for discussions," Khatri told Onlinekhabar. Preliminary talks were held on Friday, where agency representatives outlined their demands and position to ministry officials.

The association previously held a special gathering on July 22, where the 15-point demand list was finalized and submitted. The shutdown signifies a significant disruption for both the agencies and the thousands of Nepalis seeking foreign employment.

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We are now going to the Ministry of Youth and Employment for discussions.