Kathmandu, October 29

Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat today said that ensuring safety and security of Nepalis in foreign countries was one of the top priorities of the government.

At a programme organised by the International Peace and Human Rescue Organisation Nepal in Kathmandu, Minister Mahat clarified that the government would make efforts to rescue Nepalis stranded or doing jail terms in foreign lands.

Stating that the number of Nepalis flying abroad had been on the rise lately, Mahat spoke of the need to launch an awareness campaign to discourage the trend. He also urged aspiring migrant workers to work inside the country.

Nepali Congress parliamentarian Ramhari Khatiwada drew the attention of the government towards reducing the passport fee.

Chairman of the High-level Administrative Reforms Implementation and Monitoring Committee, Kashiraj Dahal, said the hard work of those working in foreign countries should be recognised and respected.

Chairman of IPHRO Nepal Tanka Prasad Sitaula; Chairman of Nepal Association of Foreign Employment, Bimal Dhakal, Vice-Chairman of the Nepal Trade Union Ganesh Niraula, journalist Achyut Wagle, among others, said that workers, willing to go for overseas employment would get relief if ‘free visa, free ticket’ were made systematic.