International Migrants Day

International Migrants Day: Honoring Migrants and Their Contributions

Observed every year on December 18, International Migrants Day highlights the rights and contributions of migrant workers worldwide. It commemorates the 1990 UN Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and Their Families, aiming to ensure dignity and justice for all migrants. Celebrations in Nepal include awareness programs and farewell ceremonies for departing migrant workers at Tribhuvan International Airport.

The Essence of Migration

Migration, the movement of people for work and livelihood, is integral to human development. Nepalese migrants, striving abroad for their families’ and the nation’s betterment, send remittances that bolster the economy. Currently, over 3 million Nepalese work in destinations like the Gulf countries, Malaysia, South Korea, and beyond, contributing significantly to national income.

Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers

Despite their contributions, Nepalese migrant workers face numerous hardships, such as:

• Non-payment or delayed wages.
• Lack of access to basic healthcare.
• Forced labor or reassignment to unintended jobs.
• Separation from families with limited contact.
• Risk of exploitation and trafficking.

Global Recognition of Migration’s Role

The UN has acknowledged migration’s pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, while Nepal marks the day annually, the persistent challenges faced by migrant workers underscore the need for stronger protections and enforcement of rights. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that migration remains a path to dignity and opportunity, not one of suffering and exploitation.