The two countries had originally signed the MoU on July 23, 2007 and have been revised in every two years ever since.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, which prepared the draft, says much of the contents in the new draft remain unchanged from the MoU that was renewed in 2012.

“The new draft has given continuity to old provisions as they are serving well both in the interest of employers and employees, and also the labour sending and receiving countries,” said Buddhi Bahadur Khadka, chief of Foreign Employment Division at the ministry. He said that the agreement will be signed in the presence of senior officials once the two government agree on the draft.

The MoU with South Korea, which incorporates overall aspects of employment, is believed to be only veritable labour agreement that Nepal has with a labour receiving country. The MoU has set unequivocal standard for language test, pre-departure recruitment process, cost, work benefits and other facilities of the workers.

South Korea is considered one of the best destinations for Nepali migrant workers in terms of salary, security and other benefits. Nepalis working in South Korea under EPS earn a minimum salary of Rs 100,000 per month.