Upskilling Nepali migrant workers for increased wages and improved workplace leverage

Upskilling Nepali migrant workers for increased wages and improved workplace leverage
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Summary of the Low‑Skilled Nepali Migrant Upskilling Program

  1. Problem Statement
    • Over 500,000 Nepalis travel abroad each year for low‑wage jobs in construction, agriculture, and service sectors.
    • Workers face limited mobility, low wages, and high risk of exploitation.
    • Existing training schemes do not reach this group because they lack relevance, affordability, and accessibility.

  2. Program Goal
    • Equip low‑skilled migrant workers with market‑relevant skills so they can secure better‑paying, skilled positions overseas and improve their overall well‑being.

  3. Core Components
    • Pre‑departure Training (30 days)
      • Sector‑specific technical modules (e.g., masonry, carpentry, window cleaning, hospitality).
      • Practical workshops, classroom lessons, and basic language instruction.
    • Vacation Upskilling
      • Short courses offered during workers’ holidays in Nepal to refresh or add new skills as market demands change.
  4. Partnership Network
    • Manpower companies – identify job needs and help place trained workers.
    • NGOs – provide expertise in skills development and worker outreach.
    • Government technical schools (CTEVT) – supply facilities and qualified instructors.
    • International development agencies – offer funding and technical support.

  5. Success Metrics
    • 20 % rise in average monthly wages within six months after training.
    • Higher placement rates in skilled jobs with reputable employers.
    • Improved worker satisfaction and reduced vulnerability to exploitation.
    • Long‑term benefits for families through increased remittances and overall quality of life.

  6. Strategic Benefits
    • Strengthens Nepal’s position as a source of skilled labor rather than just low‑wage workers.
    • Creates a sustainable model that can be replicated for other skill areas.
    • Enhances national economic development by raising incomes and improving human capital.

  7. Implementation Notes
    • Training centers should be located at accessible sites (e.g., Mahabir Pun’s Krishi Aujar karkhana).
    • Continuous monitoring and evaluation will track outcomes and guide program adjustments.
    • Ethical safeguards must be in place to prevent post‑training exploitation.

This program offers a practical, collaborative framework to raise the earning potential and dignity of Nepal’s migrant workforce while delivering measurable economic and social returns.

Sirish
Shirish Pokharel, Innovation Engineer, Mentor

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