Kathmandu, July 23 The government is planning to initiate special counselling sessions for Nepali migrant workers who seek employment in South Korea. While South Korea is considered a ‘safe’ destination, with thousands vying for jobs in the country every year, the number of Nepalis committing suicide or suffering from depression there has been on the rise. “We are planning to start special counselling sessions, in collaboration with Korean government, for Nepalis going to work in South Korea,” informed Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista. Minister Bista made the announcement during a programme organised by the Korean Embassy here today. According to Kim Yong Kuk, dean of Asian Culture Centre in Korea, the social cost of labour migration is troubling, particularly in terms of breakdown in the family, divorces and parenting void for the children who are left behind. “The increasing trend in suicide among migrants and those who have returned is worrisome as well.” In a number of cases, Nepali migrants have taken their lives in South Korea due to mismatch in their expectations and the ground reality in the foreign land, work pressure, among other issues, Krishna Prasad Khanal, director of EPS Korea Section under Department of Foreign Employment, told The Himalayan Times. As per him, the issue needs an in-depth investigation. During the programme today, economist Bishwo Poudel emphasised on the need for the government to come up with policies for proper utilisation of remittance and capitalisation of skills of returnee migrants. Meanwhile, Minister Bista claimed that ‘young people tend to blow their money on luxury goods and unproductive sector’. “This lands them in a difficult position when they get old,” he said, adding the government is planning to ‘manage’ the remittance to secure the future of migrant workers.