Dadeldhura, 6 Jul: In recent years, the Safe Migration (SaMI) program has played a crucial role in stopping financial transactions related to dead bodies and promoting safe migration. Initially funded by the Swiss government, the SaMI program has now been adopted by the Nepali government at the federal, provincial, and local levels.
When a migrant worker dies or suffers severe injuries abroad after obtaining labor approval, the Foreign Employment Board provides compensation of around NPR 2.5 million to the deceased’s family. However, due to a lack of awareness, some unrelated individuals have been exploiting grieving families by illegally collecting large sums of money under the pretext of facilitating compensation.
To prevent such exploitation, the SaMI program has established migrant resource centers at local government employment departments and district administration offices, offering counseling, information, and support.
“Let’s promote employment within the country. If foreign employment is necessary, go only after obtaining proper information and skills training,” said Vishnu Aryal, a SaMI program officer, while sharing details about the government’s foreign employment initiatives.
During an interaction program with journalists and media personnel organized by the SaMI program of Amargadhi Municipality, Aryal revealed that some individuals have been taking advantage of grieving families by getting blank checks signed under the false promise of securing compensation. He clarified that the compensation process can be completed through the local municipality’s employment department without any middlemen.
Key Points:
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SaMI is curbing illegal financial transactions involving deceased migrants.
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NPR 2.5 million compensation is provided by the Foreign Employment Board to families of deceased workers.
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Unscrupulous agents are exploiting families by charging hefty fees fraudulently.
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SaMI has set up migrant resource centers for legal guidance and support.
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Families should directly approach local employment offices for compensation claims.
He said, “Even the deceased’s body is transported to accessible areas, but those unaware of the process have been exploited by middlemen who falsely claim to facilitate the procedures and extort money. To prevent this, families or relatives of migrant workers who have obtained labor approval can get all the necessary information from the Migrant Resource Center or its sub-centers established at their local municipality’s employment department or district administration office.”
Under the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund, the Foreign Employment Board provides the following benefits:
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NPR 1 million within one year of the migrant worker’s death abroad, along with financial assistance to the family and free repatriation of the body.
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Up to NPR 700,000 in compensation and financial aid if the worker returns to Nepal and dies within one year.
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Financial aid and compensation for disabled workers.
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Scholarships for the children of deceased or fully disabled workers:
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NPR 12,000 for basic level education.
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NPR 16,000 for secondary level education.
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Medical treatment costs for sick workers (up to NPR 20,000 within one year of treatment).
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Treatment cost assistance for the worker’s family.
Aryal also informed that the SaMI program has been implemented in 56 districts of Nepal to ensure safe and informed migration.
Key Takeaways:
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Avoid middlemen—compensation procedures can be completed through official channels.
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Free body repatriation and financial aid are provided to families of deceased migrants.
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Scholarships and medical support are available for affected families.
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SaMI program is active in 56 districts to assist migrants and their families.
