Migration

Nepali migrant workers are crossing the Eastern border to India in search of employment.
Nepali migrant workers are crossing the Eastern border to India in search of employment. © Thibault Gregoire

Labour migration is a key factor in Nepal's development. Foreign employment has significant economic impacts and social implications. The Government of Nepal's attitude towards labour migration has shifted over the past decade. The role of migration in the country's socio-economic development is now officially recognised and no longer carries the negative connotations from the past. While local governments are increasingly allocating funds to migrant services which inform and support outgoing and returning migrants and their families, these services need to be further scaled up and institutionalised at national and subnational levels. Swiss interventions support the three spheres of government in clarifying their respective roles and responsibilities and in building capacities to provide quality services to migrant workers and their families, as well as survivors of gender-based violence. Migrant services provided with Swiss support include information and capacity building for prospective and returnee migrants, psychosocial counselling, family counselling, access to justice, and access to finance and business development services.