Government Prepares to Provide Training for Both Foreign and Domestic Employment Through a ‘One-Stop System’

The government is preparing to operate training programs for both domestic and foreign employment under a single umbrella. The National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) has reached the final stage of its five-year strategic plan for 2026–31. Vocational training centers will be established in all seven provinces to integrate the training system at the national level. Kathmandu, 23 Chaitra. The government plans to operate training programs under one roof not only for domestic employment but also for workers going abroad for foreign employment. To implement this, the National Vocational Training Institute is developing a five-year strategic plan. Until now, the institute has operated training programs aimed at domestic employment; however, it is now expanding its structure and operational scope to include skill-based training for foreign employment as well.

Ever since Deepak Kumar Sah was appointed Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security, his first decision was to prepare the “Strategic Plan 2026–31” for producing skilled manpower through the National Vocational Training Institute. According to Ramesh Kumar Bakhti, Executive Director of the institute, the strategic plan is currently in its final phase and will be finalized shortly. “So far, training was provided only for domestic and local employment, but now, we are moving forward with the process to include training for those going abroad for foreign employment,” Bakhti explained.

Currently, training centers in regions such as Itahari, Butwal, and Bhainsepati are operating separately under the ministry. Under the new structure, a vocational training center will be established in each of the seven provinces, all of which will come under the National Institute. The expansion of the institute’s operational scope followed the issuance of the “National Vocational Training Institute Development Committee Formation Order 2080.” Given the need to include foreign employment-related training, a new strategic plan was required and thus prepared. Training providers will now be required to develop the necessary infrastructure not only for domestic but also for foreign employment.

The institute has stated that standards are being developed to provide training according to the tools, technologies, and work methods used in destination countries. Following the organizational restructuring, the institute’s scope has increased, and accordingly, the new strategic plan is being prepared with technical assistance from SAMI program. Once Minister Sah’s decisions are finalized, the plan will be officially published. In coordination with returnee workers and related foreign institutions, necessary skills, practices, and infrastructure studies will be conducted to prepare training standards.

For this purpose, the government has developed strategies in cooperation with employer associations and organizations such as the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) to determine the training content. Demands for specific types of skilled manpower from the private sector will be collected. Corresponding curricula will be developed, and private sector involvement will be ensured throughout the training and employment process. This approach is expected to facilitate direct employment for those trained. Currently, numerous private training providers are also capable of delivering training to workers intending to go abroad.

However, additional infrastructure focused on foreign employment will be required. Institutions providing training for domestic employment will also train workers going abroad, but they must develop infrastructure aligned with the practices, technology, and equipment of the respective destination countries. Coordination with institutions in the destination countries will be conducted to identify infrastructure needs, with training delivered according to established standards. The Ministry of Labor is preparing to integrate all types of skill-based training under the ‘One-Stop System.’ Presently, the institute has the authority to conduct skill-based training for up to six months, and the training offerings will be expanded within this scope. Training for foreign employment is already provided by the Foreign Employment Board Secretariat and various associations. Now, efforts are underway to centrally conduct all training through the institute. The new strategic plan prioritizes skill-based training alongside skill testing, certification, entrepreneurship development, and ‘green skills.’ Preparations are in progress to provide training aligned with global market demands in terms of manpower, technology, and skill levels. By integrating the entire system in this manner, the institute aims to strengthen the linkages among skills, training, and employment, with the strategic plan nearing completion.