Protocol for Sending Home-Based Caregivers to Israel Nearing Finalization
The governments of Nepal and Israel are currently in the final stages of discussions to finalize the labor protocol for sending agricultural and home-based auxiliary workers (caregivers). Pitambar Ghimire, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor, stated that technical matters are being resolved and formal signing is expected soon. Israel has indicated that the number of workers will be determined based on an annual quota, and the usual employment duration will be five years. Kathmandu, 26 Ashad.
The protocol for dispatching ‘home-based caregivers’ to Israel is close to completion. Discussions are ongoing between the governments of Israel and Nepal to finalize protocols regulating the sending of caregivers who work in individual homes and laborers in the agricultural sector. Nepal had already drafted the protocol last year, which was approved by the Cabinet. At a meeting held on 22 Poush 2082, the Cabinet approved draft protocols aimed at providing long-term employment of five years to Nepali students in agriculture and home-based caregivers.
These protocols were passed under the labor agreement between Israel and Nepal. To date, Israel only had a protocol for sending caregivers to long-term service centers, which was revised and a draft sent for negotiation. Israel initially proposed drafts for three protocols, which were amended as necessary and approved by the Cabinet. Following this, the Ministry of Youth, Labor, and Employment advanced the process for agreement signing related to the protocols.
Last Wednesday, Labor Minister Ramji Yadav met with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Smulik Amri Basby, during which they discussed expediting the approval of these protocols. Both sides have set a goal to complete the process promptly. Specifically, Israel has submitted proposals with some modifications concerning the home-based caregiver protocol. According to spokesperson Ghimire, once the technical team finalizes the document, formal signing will occur between the two nations.
Israel plans to send agricultural and home-based auxiliary workers under an annual quota system, though the exact details remain unclear, Ghimire added. “The number of workers will be determined annually by Israel and will be known only after protocol approval,” he said. The typical employment term in Israel will be five years, after which workers are required to return home.
The government has prioritized this protocol to create safe and organized access to Israel’s labor market for Nepalis. The agreement is expected to open new employment opportunities for Nepali workers in the caregiver sector.
Under an official agreement dated 14 Ashoj 2077 (30 September 2020), Nepalese caregivers began being sent to Israel’s special labor market through government channels. Since then, a renewal process has been underway over five years.
Since the 2077 agreement did not include automatic renewal provisions, the current renewal process was initiated. Alongside this agreement, protocols for sending additional agricultural and home-based workers were also drafted.
To date, more than 3,000 caregivers have arrived in Israel in two phases.