KATHMANDU: Nearly 400,000 foreign employment workers have enrolled in contribution-based social security schemes of the Social Security Fund (SSF) over the past seven months.
According to the SSF, 393,501 Nepali citizens employed in foreign job destinations have become part of its schemes.
The SSF initiated the enrollment of foreign workers and self-employed individuals abroad on March 22. Rohit Regmi, the joint spokesperson for the SSF, stated that Nepalis already working in foreign job destinations, those in the process of obtaining labor permits, and those renewing existing permits are actively participating in the schemes.
The government has mandated the SSF to enroll both foreign employment workers and those preparing to work abroad in its programs. “Nepali self-employed individuals overseas are enthusiastically participating in the contribution-based social security scheme. Likewise, it is compulsory for workers to join the scheme as part of their labor approval process,” he added.
The fund has so far amassed Rs 761.68 million in contributions from workers, with Rs 495.39 million coming from the Old Age Protection Scheme, and Rs 266.27 million from the Accident and Disability Protection Scheme and Dependent Family Protection Scheme.
As per the SSF, foreign employment workers have the option to receive the entire sum or opt for a pension plan upon completing their employment.
Foreign employment workers and those preparing to work abroad can contribute between Rs 2,300 and Rs 28,000 per month. The SSF has so far enrolled a total of 845,193 workers, including those in formal and informal sectors, foreign employment, and self-employment. Additionally, 18,376 employers have joined the SSF.
The SSF has collected Rs 42.90 billion in contributions from workers and has disbursed claims totaling Rs 6.16 billion.
