Qatar sign a memorandum to help Nepali migrants

A group of migrants from Nepal stand inside a shelter. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

IOM and the State of Qatar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see them working  together over the next two years to provide voluntary return and reintegration assistance to Nepali migrant workers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Malaysia. The new project, to be run in close cooperation with the national authorities, will focus on migrants who are the victims of abuse, exploitation or mistreatment, including human trafficking.

“Migration is emerging as one of the most important livelihood strategies for many people in both urban and rural areas of Nepal,” stated Maurizio Busatti, Chief of Mission of IOM Nepal.  “Many have succeeded but many face difficulties during the journey. Our new collaboration will allow us to assist Nepali migrants to return home in a safe and dignified way and support them through their reintegration.”

“The State of Qatar is a firm believer in the importance of addressing all the negative effects experienced by workers abroad, including Nepali labourers, and stresses through its contribution to this programme through the Qatar Development Fund, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, the fact that Qatari authorities are trying their level best to do what they believe is right,” stated H.E. Ahmad Jasim Alhamar, Ambassador of Qatar in Nepal.

“l would like to emphasize in this occasion the State of Qatar’s keenness to provide a decent livelihood which is in line with international regulations and standards for all for foreign workers in Qatar. They contribute a lot to the implementation of development in the country and personally commend the efficiency of the Nepali migrant workers in Qatar,” added Alhamar.

The MoU, which was signed yesterday with IOM, will over the next two years help the stranded Nepalese workers to return safely to their country, find a dignified life and develop their abilities to make a living in their communities. It intends to provide voluntary return and reintegration assistance to migrant workers who have been abused, trafficked, exploited, or stranded without assistance.

The collaboration efforts will include capacity building trainings for service providers, such as the labour attaché training for officials of the Ministries of Labour, Employment and Foreign Affairs. There will also be training on victim protection, referral mechanisms and shelter management for local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and government officials in Nepal.