Nepal proposes hosting joint labour working group meeting with Malaysia

Nepal has put forward a proposal to host the Joint Working Group meeting with Malaysia in Kathmandu, aiming to resolve differences in worker selection and recruitment through bilateral dialogue and consensus. According to reports, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security communicated the proposal by sending an official letter through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Malaysian side. The planned discussions intend to focus on matters related to the recruitment of workers under Malaysia's centralized management system for foreign workers. According to reports, Nepal seeks to make the recruitment procedure more systematic, transparent, and worker-friendly, while enhancing labour relations, protecting worker interests, and promoting safe foreign employment. Furthermore, the proposed gathering is expected to finalise the draft concerning the renewal of the labour memorandum of understanding signed between the two nations in 2018. Reports state that the government has proposed holding the session in November or December in Kathmandu, with the specific date to be arranged according to the convenience of the Malaysian side. Officials believe that the diplomatic initiative will help maintain continuity in worker recruitment, create predictability, and foster long-term labour cooperation. Nepal aims to ensure transparency across all recruitment procedures and safeguard the rights of Nepali workers through continued bilateral engagement with Malaysia.