Intervention development for trafficked Nepali labor migrants (ENSURE Nepal)

Abstract

Executive Summary:

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) conduct a formative qualitative study to understand the challenges that Nepalese migrants’ workers face at each stage of the migration cycle, including pre-departure, transit, destination, and return and possible intervention that will contribute in the development of a scalable intervention model to improve the migration experience of Nepalese workers, under the ENSURE1 project.

The study conducted 15 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with key migration stakeholders and 38 In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with returnee migrants (Male 25, Female 13) from 20 districts of Nepal. The study actively ensured diversity in the representation of migrant experiences by employing maximum variation sampling and considering variables such as gender, occupation, ethnicity, country of destination etc. The study assess the migrant workers' experiences across different thematic areas Pre-departure Recruitment Process, focusing on knowledge about migration, work permits, risks, and financial preparedness, financial costs, immigration status, and health checks; Problems Faced in the Destination Country, addressing challenges such as job dishonor, working conditions, cultural adjustment, and legal issues; Support System in the Destination Country such as governmental, employer, and other mechanisms; and Return Process, examining reasons for return, reintegration challenges, financial issues, health status, and redress mechanisms. The study explored the possible intervention to improve the migration journey in each cycle of migration. Thematic data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s framework, incorporating independent coding and triangulation techniques to enhance the validity and credibility of findings.

Most of the study participants were male (65.8%) with an average age of 33.3 years. The Janajati ethnicity was the largest group (36.8%), with 45% of participants completing secondary education. Gender-based migration patterns were evident, with females primarily migrating to Kuwait for domestic work and males predominantly migrating to Saudi Arabia and Malaysia for construction, driving, and other sectors. Key challenges identified included inadequate pre-departure preparation, such as insufficient training and health screenings, which often led to exploitation by recruitment agencies. In destination countries, migrants experienced unsafe working conditions, frequent contract violations, and limited access to healthcare, further worsening their vulnerability. Upon returning home, migrants struggled with financial instability, poor health, and the social stigma associated with their migration experiences, making successful reintegration difficult and frequently leading to re-migration.

In addition to the returnee migrants' perspectives, KIIs with stakeholders—including government officials, recruitment agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—provided a broader view of systemic issues affecting labor migrants. Key findings from the stakeholder interviews showed the lack of adequate monitoring of recruitment agencies, gaps in legal frameworks, and insufficient support services for migrants. Stakeholders also highlighted the need for comprehensive policy reforms, emphasizing strengthening bilateral agreements between countries of origin and destination and enforcing ethical recruitment practices. Furthermore, the need for capacity-building initiatives to address migrant vulnerabilities and enhance health and welfare services was frequently cited as critical to improving the migrant experience. They address key gaps in pre-departure preparation, workplace safety, healthcare access, and reintegration services.

This report emphasizes the need for a complete support system to improve the migration process for workers from Nepal. It highlights key recommendations across three stages pre-departure, destination, and post-return. At the pre-departure status, all essential information on migration, including legal rights, job responsibilities, clause of contract and destination-specific cultural norms has to be made clear and transparent. Migrants should undergo training on job-related skills and language to ensure smooth transitions abroad. At destination, greater accountability is required from manpower agencies, and it is important to guarantee access to healthcare, safe working conditions, and transparent communication. After return, it is important to offer support through skills training, livelihood opportunities, financial assistance for lost wages, and efforts to recover debts. These recommendations aim to protect migrant workers, ensure their well-being abroad, and support their successful reintegration into Nepal, fostering long-term development for individuals and communities. These collective actions shall empower Nepali labor migrants, reduce their vulnerability to exploitation, and significantly improve their quality of life, contributing to a more sustainable migration framework.

1 ENSURE is a four-year project implemented by Nepal Development Society in collaboration with La Isla Network (USA), Johns Hopkins University (USA), and Bournemouth University (UK) with financial support from the U.S. Department of State.