Nepal municipalities to build digital profiles of returning migrant workers

Local governments in Nepal are preparing to create digital profiles for migrant workers returning from abroad. This initiative, outlined in a draft directive by the Municipal Association of Nepal, aims to systematically manage reintegration programs.

Officials note that the federal government currently lacks a reliable database of Nepali workers who return after foreign employment. This data gap hinders effective policy planning and reintegration support. The proposed directive mandates municipalities to collect detailed information from returnees at the ward level. This data will include the nature of their work abroad, acquired skills, experience, income, and potential investment areas, forming individual digital profiles.

The goal is to standardize reintegration programs nationwide and effectively utilize the knowledge, skills, technology, and capital brought back by returning workers. "There is a major challenge in reintegrating returnee migrant workers into the domestic labour market," said Kalanidhi Devkota, executive director of the association. "Local governments are under pressure to design effective programmes, and this directive is intended to provide a framework."

Labour migration is a significant part of Nepal's economy, with many workers repeatedly seeking foreign employment due to limited domestic opportunities. The draft directive also proposes a skills mapping system and a digital roster of returnees, enabling skill testing for those with overseas experience but no formal certification. Additionally, it suggests incentives for private firms employing skilled returnees and offers technical and financial support, along with tax concessions, for those starting businesses through collective investment.

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There is a major challenge in reintegrating returnee migrant workers into the domestic labour market. Local governments are under pressure to design effective programmes, and this directive is intended to provide a framework.