Nepalese Government Offers Airfare Assistance to Migrant Workers Returning Home for Family Rites

Strategic Insights -

The Nepalese government has taken a compassionate measure to support migrant workers affected by the devastating earthquake that struck the country on April 25. As per the Foreign Employment Act 2007, families of migrant workers who have lost loved ones in the disaster will have their two-way airfare costs borne by the government. This directive was announced by the Foreign Employment Promotion Board, which also set clear criteria for migrant workers to be eligible for this assistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nepalese government will cover the airfare costs of migrant workers returning home for the final rites of their family members who died in the earthquake.
  • The family members eligible for assistance include spouse, son, daughter, mother, and father, with female workers also including father-in-law and mother-in-law.
  • More than 3 million Nepalese workers are living abroad, with a third of all Nepalese households having at least one member working and living abroad.
  • The earthquake has left 8,151 people dead and 17,866 others injured, as per the latest government data.
  • Migrant workers who lost family members due to the earthquake and returned home after April 25 will be entitled to this assistance.
  • The Foreign Employment Promotion Board has introduced a directive to set clear criteria for migrant workers to be eligible for this assistance.

Statistics:

  • 8,151 people died in the April 25 earthquake.
  • 17,866 others were injured in the disaster.
  • More than 3 million Nepalese workers are living abroad.
  • A third of all Nepalese households have at least one member working and living abroad.
  • 35 percent of rural households have at least one member working and living abroad.

Sources:

  • "Nepalese workers who lost their family members due to the earthquake and returned home after April 25 will be provided air ticket expenses" (Raghu Raj Kafle, executive director of the Foreign Employment Promotion Board, quoted by The Himalayan newspaper on Tuesday).
  • "There are more than 3 million Nepalese workers abroad and a third of all Nepalese households, including 35 percent rural households, have at least one member working and living abroad" (The Himalayan newspaper).
  • "The latest government data show the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that jolted the Himalayan country on April 25 has left 8,151 people dead and 17,866 others injured" (Xinhua News Agency).