The Dilemma of Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia

A significant number of Nepalese who have gone to Saudi Arabia for employment in recent days have stated that they have not received the required work and salary as per their manpower and agents. According to the Nepalese embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, they have been receiving complaints from Nepali workers that they have been hurt.

Incidents of people being cheated by agents of their own acquaintances have also been reported. The Government of Nepal has outlawed the role of agents in sending workers for foreign employment.. The Nepalese Embassy has requested prospective workers to come only after clearly understanding the name of the company, the place of work, contract details and living conditions. .

After arriving in Saudi Arabia, it is not easy to return home at any time due to any reasons such as dislike of work, family problems or difficulty in working. Since employers also spend a lot of money to bring a worker to Saudi Arabia, employers do not allow the worker to leave without a contract. Therefore, the Nepali embassy has requested to consider coming to Saudi Arabia only after understanding that it is not possible to return home immediately.

In Saudi Arabia, the minimum monthly wage for unskilled workers is set at 1,000 Saudi riyals and 300 riyals for food. It has been stated that no agreement should be made less than the salary fixed by the Government of Nepal. When you come to Saudi Arabia as an unskilled worker, it is hard work both physically and mentally.

 The Nepalese Embassy has also advised that patients with medical history opt out of working in Saudi Arabia.

Nepal established diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 1978. Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for Nepali workers. Currently around 4 lakh Nepalese are working in Saudi Arabia. According to a study conducted by Central Bank of Nepal in the fiscal year 2017/2018, 14 percent of the remittances entering Nepal are coming from Saudi Arabia.