The International Labour Organization (ILO) has proposed scrapping the existing practice of charging employees and job-seekers recruitment frees and related costs.

During a Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Fair Recruitment Principles and Operational Guidelines held in Geneva from September 5 to 7, the ILO stressed the employer must bear these costs.

They ILO has called for cost-free ticketing and visa for the migrant workers at the behest of both the concerned government and private sector.

The meeting was attended by 12 representatives from two countries each from six continents, workers' organization in various countries and employment companies.

ILO's Chief Technical Advisor for South Asia, Igor Bosc, said the ILO has proposed that the destination country should provide cost-free visa and ticket for migrant workers being sent by the government. ILO has proposed for not subjecting the workers service cost. This proposal comes at a time when the manpower companies in Nepal are rumoured to be preparing to increase the service cost from Rs 10,000 to amount tantamount to one month's salary.

The proposal with consent of the ILO member countries will be finalized as a convention during the ILO's international conference to take place in Geneva in June next year.

Nepali migrant workers heading to South Korea and Israel have to pay for the air tickets and visa under the Employment Permit System (EPS) and Model Programme respectively. If the proposal comes into force the migrant workers heading to these countries will not have to make ticket and visa payments. RSS