Kathmandu: The government has scrapped the increased health examination fee for Nepali workers going abroad for employment. Following the withdrawal, the government has decided to reinstate the previous fee of Rs 6,500 per person, a move welcomed by foreign employment entrepreneurs.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security had previously raised the fee to Rs 9,500 per person on November 16, which led to widespread criticism from stakeholders in the foreign employment industry. Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Rajendra Singh Bhandari, confirmed that the fee has been revoked and reverted to its original amount.
The government had expanded the scope of medical examinations to 34 tests, which had been used to justify the fee increase. However, Bhuwan Singh Gurung, Chairperson of the Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association, argued that the fee hike was unnecessary. He stated that the increased expenses imposed on workers seeking employment abroad were unwarranted.
Gurung praised the government’s decision to roll back the fee increase, emphasizing that it serves the interests of Nepali workers seeking opportunities overseas.