Nepal

Weak investigations and lack of legal representation lead to unfair trials and extended prison terms

With one death every day, Saudi Arabia holds the dubious distinction of having the highest mortality rates amongst Nepali workers. With the lack of investigation into the underlying causes of death and stark indifference of authorities, there seems to be little hope for change.

Qatar’s death certificates for migrant workers are a template for denial

Access to justice at both destination and origin remains elusive

With Covid-19-related restrictions on formal recruitment, more and more Nepali migrant workers are going to the UAE on visit visas. Though technically legal under UAE law, Nepal’s government bans workers from travelling on visit visas for the purposes of employment. These migrants often end up paying extortionately high fees for non-existent jobs, with none of the legal protections formally recruited workers are entitled to.

Origin countries scramble to meet vaccination requirements, as prospective and stranded migrant workers struggle without jobs

A large number of Nepali workers, who went to work in the UAE after paying hefty recruitment fees and other costs with the hope of improving their livelihood, are instead returning with large debts.