खोज

Anil Adhikari | Kathmandu – Labor Minister Sharad Singh Bhandari has raised the medical examination fees for Nepalis seeking foreign employment by NPR 3,000, now totaling NPR 9,500. The decision, reportedly influenced by intermediaries, has sparked concerns over corruption.

A government task force had recommended reforms, but officials ignored them, allegedly aligning with a Malaysia-based medical syndicate. Critics claim the move benefits business owners rather than workers, increasing financial burdens.

Despite media reports exposing syndicate involvement, no investigation has been conducted. Experts warn that continued government negligence could further exploit migrant workers.

Despite mounting evidence of malpractice, no investigation has been initiated. Concerns have also been raised over the poor quality of medical tests conducted by certain clinics, with allegations that some tests are either skipped or manipulated to show favorable results. Reports indicate that some medical centers conduct screenings for as little as NPR 1,500, while others provide fraudulent fitness certificates without proper examinations.

Additionally, workers bound for Qatar face an unnecessary double medical screening process. Even after passing tests at the Qatar Visa Center, they are required to undergo another medical test in Nepal to obtain labor approval. Experts argue that this redundancy is a result of poor coordination and policy loopholes that add financial strain on workers.

The foreign employment sector in Nepal has long suffered from systemic issues, including monopolies, high recruitment costs, and the exploitation of migrant workers. Observers argue that unless the government takes immediate corrective action, the medical examination fee hike will only deepen these problems and place an even heavier financial burden on Nepali workers seeking employment abroad.

Despite repeated appeals from stakeholders to regulate the sector transparently, government inaction continues to fuel concerns about corruption and exploitation. Many believe that urgent reforms are needed to protect the rights of migrant workers and ensure they receive fair treatment in the recruitment and medical screening process.