KATHMANDU: Minister for Labour and Employment Deepak Bohara said that Foreign Employment Welfare Fund and Social Security Fund should be brought into operation only after bills concerned got endorsement from the Parliament.

Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Labour Committee under the Legislature-Parliament today, he said that the bills would be tabled in the Parliament soon.

The bill related to the FEWF was in the process of amendment and bill related to the operation of SSF was in drafting process, Bohara informed.

Minister Bohara added that the fund was deposited in the Ministry of Finance in absence of related laws.

Lawmakers suggested investing the fund in hydropower projects and other reconstruction projects as well.

He further clarified that the support from the fund could not be provided to those going for foreign employment illegally.

Similarly, Minister for Industry, Som Prasad Pandey, said that the government was ready to utilise the social security fund; but it could not be used in rescue and re-loan. He added that the fund should be utilised as per its goal.

The fund was established aiming at providing assistance to Nepali workers abroad in case they fall sick, sustained injuries and faced problems to return home, along with necessary support to their families back home.