On 11th July 2025, Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI) and Resources Himalaya Foundation (RHF), successfully organized the 222nd edition of the Contemporary Policy Dialogue. Held in a hybrid format, the event brought together a diverse group of delegates to engage in a critical discussion on "Nepal's Foreign and Labor Relations with Middle Eastern Countries: Context and Strategic Direction."
The keynote presentation was delivered by Mr. Nawaraj Subedi, former Ambassador of Nepal to Saudi Arabia, who provided insightful reflections on Nepal’s evolving diplomatic and labor engagement with the Gulf countries.
With over 50% of Nepal’s remittances coming from the Gulf region, the discussion emphasized the pressing need to strengthen Nepal’s labor diplomacy. Mr. Subedi highlighted a common yet troubling pattern, while Nepal's bureaucratic and diplomatic focus often leans toward developed Western nations, the Gulf, which sustains the backbone of Nepal's economy through labor remittances, remains overlooked.
He advocated for redefining labor migration to the Gulf as "Dignified Employment", where skill verification, protection of workers' rights, and policy-driven deployment are prioritized. According to him, deploying workers without verifying skills or offering adequate pre-departure training puts Nepali migrants at significant risk.
Mr. Subedi also referenced the National Labor and Employment Conference held in 2081 B.S., which aimed to reshape Nepal's labor diplomacy. A significant outcome of the two-day event was the signing of a 47-point policy agreement, laying the groundwork for more strategic engagement.
However, challenges remain. While Nepali embassies in Gulf countries often serve as the first point of support for distressed workers, they operate with limited budgets and capacities. Mr. Subedi stressed the need to increase resources for these diplomatic missions to effectively assist migrant workers.
He also emphasized the importance of respecting and reintegrating returnee migrants, many of whom return with valuable skills and experiences and have successfully launched enterprises in Nepal. This dialogue served as a timely reminder that Nepal must pursue strong, rights-based labor diplomacy with Middle Eastern nations, ensuring that the very people powering the national economy are no longer treated as invisible.
