The government on Thursday launched the Shram Sansar (Labour World) app to collect data on Nepali nationals working abroad.

Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba and Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, jointly inaugurated the app at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The app allows Nepali expatriates to register their personal information, enabling authorities to track “where, under what conditions and how many” Nepalis are residing in labour-destination countries.

According to Foreign Minister Deuba, accurate data will greatly assist in providing timely consular services and facilitating swift rescue operations.

“Numerous complaints have reached the ministry from Nepalis who have been deceived, suffered hardship or fallen into difficulty due to lack of information,” she said. “Now, with this app, we will be better equipped to provide consular support based on the data collected.”

The app also introduces a legal pathway for undocumented workers abroad. Those working without formal permits can now obtain ‘legalised labour approval’ directly from Nepali embassies in their host countries.

“This arrangement is made to protect and secure those who have reached and are working in various countries without labour approval. It does not mean encouraging illegal migration,” Deuba clarified.

Labour Minister Bhandari added that the app and the ‘legalisation of labour permits’ would offer considerable relief to migrant workers.

“Beyond merely knowing the location and numbers of Nepalis, this will help those without documentation or labour permission–who have been deprived of basic services–to receive essential support,” he emphasised.

The app, jointly managed by the foreign affairs and labour ministries, will be regularly updated by Nepali diplomatic missions. Registered users will need to provide their personal details on the platform.