Wonderful news
The
Himalayan Times
3 August
2017
Wonderful
news
Finally,
the government has realized the problem of migrant workers who are compelled to
spend hard days doing tough manual jobs in foreign lands. It was encouraging news
to read that that the government has decided to increase double the welfare sum
to Rs. 7 Lakh from Rs. 3 Lakh. “Welfare sum for migrant workers’ kin doubles”
(THT, August 1, Page 1). This amount will be given to the kin of migrant
workers who pass away, suffer serious injuries or become critically ill while
working abroad. This new provision will definitely give a huge relief to the
immediate family members of the migrant workers who are the sole bread owners and
compelled to leave this land of less opportunity due to poor vision and
irresponsible acts of the political leaders who claim to be the champion of
people’s representatives.
Following
the amendment to Foreign Employment Regulation, a new clause has also been
introduced that allows migrant workers, who become critically ill, to claim the
compensation amount of Rs 7 Lakh. This new regulation also applies to the
migrant workers who get an extension of work contract more than two years’
initial contract but pass away while working. However, contribution to be made
by each migrant worker who is going to Malaysia and the gulf countries has been
increased to 1500 from Rs. 1000. Likewise, those who are going to South Korea
need to contribute Rs 2500 from now onwards. According to the Foreign
Employment Promotion Board (FEPB), a sum of Rs 4 billion has been collected so
far in this welfare fund.
Another
encouraging news item to read was that the government will also play a
proactive role in getting migrant workers imprisoned in destination countries
released by appointing appropriate layers to fight their cases. There are
thousands of migrant workers imprisoned in foreign jails for different known
and unknown reasons. According to this new provision, they will be able to get
necessary judicial services for their releases. Time will tell whether the
government starts swiftly fulfilling its responsibilities and promises so that
our migrant workers, who are tremendously contributing to boost the
accumulation of foreign currency through the remittance, will feel secured.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
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