Nepal, Oman agree to sign labor agreement

KATHMANDU: Nepal and Oman have agreed to sign a labor agreement to facilitate the movement of Nepali workers to the Gulf nation.

The two sides reached a consensus to sign a labor agreement during a bilateral meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba and visiting Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Hamood Al Busaidi in Kathmandu on Tuesday. According to the foreign ministry, the talks focused on bilateral interests, expanding relations and various issues of mutual concern between Nepal and Oman. Among others, the talks covered air connectivity, labor-related issues, investment, tourism, diplomatic exchanges, and all necessary forms of cooperation and coordination.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Tourism Secretary Ganesh Prasad Pandey and Nepal’s Ambassador to Oman Dor Nath Aryal, among others, were in the Nepali delegation.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr Deuba requested her counterpart to consider flight operations to new international airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara.  She also raised concerns about the welfare of Nepali workers in Oman.

The Omani side highlighted favorable labor laws and environment in the Gulf nation, suggesting that it could be a good destination for Nepali workers. It also acknowledged Nepali workers’ diligence and honesty, indicating they would consider bringing in more workers based on their needs.

Oman currently hosts around 21,000 Nepali workers, according to the foreign ministry.

In a brief statement to journalists after the talks, Minister Rana said the discussions focused on strengthening relations between Nepal and Oman and the possibilities for investment and exchanges.