Upskilling Nepali migrant workers for increased wages and improved workplace leverage
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Summary of the Low‑Skilled Nepali Migrant Upskilling Program
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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. -
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. - 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.
- Pre‑departure Training (30 days)
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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. -
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. -
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. - 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.