BLA paves way for Nepali maids to work in Jordan

Kathmandu, November 2

After signing of the bilateral labour agreement (BLA) with Jordan, Nepalis will now be allowed to go to the Arabian nation to work as domestic help.

Labour and Employment Minister Farmullha Mansur and his counterpart from Jordan Ali Ghezawi had signed the BLA in the Capital on October 18, which has opened the door for Nepali women to go to Jordan for employment.

As per the provision of the BLA, Nepali women will get facility of free visa and free ticket. Similarly, they will get security in the working area, insurance and basic salary. According to the BLA, ordinary migrant workers will get salary of $250 per month and housemaids will get monthly basic salary of $300.

The two governments had agreed on the free visa and free ticket provision two years ago, but it had not been implemented. The provision is finally being implemented along with the signing of the BLA. Prior to the BLA, Nepali women were not allowed to go to Jordan for employment purpose.

“With the agreement now in place, the rights of migrant workers have become stronger. The employer will get basic facilities, insurance and security during the working hours,” said Bhuwan Prasad Acharya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

According to him, around 5,000 Nepali migrant workers are working in Jordan, with most of them employed in the garment industry.

Moreover, to implement the BLA, the two governments have agreed to form a technical team led by joint secretaries from both countries. The meeting of the joint technical committee will be held annually.