Preparing to allow manpower to open branch office

Kathmandu. 

The government is preparing to re-allow manpower companies to expand branch offices. Earlier, such permission was given to stop the opening of branches saying that fraud had increased in the districts and there were problems in regulation.

At present, 27 manpower have been allowed to open branch offices. Others are asking for such permission. However, the Department of Foreign Employment has not issued.

Stating that foreign employment has become a 'fraudulent business' due to the unwanted activities of illegal agents, i.e. brokers, the department has initiated discussions to allow the manpower to expand the branch.

The Foreign Employment Act also states that manpower companies can be allowed to open branch offices. Kumar Prasad Dahal, Director General of the Department of Foreign Employment, says that discussions have been initiated with businessmen and stakeholders about allowing manpower to open branch offices.

He claimed that the branch expansion of the manpower should be opened as the number of workers going for foreign employment due to illegal agents has increased.

"By not allowing the manpower to open branches, brokers have become more active in the district. The system can be effective in stopping it as it is motivated by the intention of swindling and taking money from the workers and causing grief under various pretexts," Dahal said.

The department has stated that discussions are underway on how many branches the manpower company will be allowed to open. Although the government has said that all manpower can be allowed to open up to one branch office in each state, businessmen are saying that more flexibility is needed.

When opening a branch office, what should be done to open a branch, how to operate a branch, what rules should be followed? Including issues remain to be decided.

As per the rules, the department can allow the manpower to expand the branch after depositing an additional Rs 500,000.

It is believed that the fraud by the agents will decrease after allowing the manpower to be extended to the district. Currently, there is a growing network of agents who run fraudulent businesses by tempting straight-sharing youths by setting up with manpower.

The Foreign Employment Businessmen's Association had long been seeking permission to expand the branch, displacing agents. The association claims that such a service will be effective in removing the compulsion of the youth to come to Kathmandu to understand the employment opportunities.

There are more than 150 legally licensed agents.