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Kathmandu, Jan 26: Nepal and Saudi Arabia have signed a bilateral labor agreement. The agreement was concluded in Riyadh to promote safe, orderly and dignified foreign employment for general workers.

Labor, Employment and Social Security Minister Rajendra Singh Bhandari signed the agreement on behalf of Nepal, while Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed bin Suleiman Al Rajhi, signed on behalf of the Saudi government.

The agreement comes after more than a decade of effort. Nepal has been trying to reach a labor deal with Saudi Arabia since 2013. Drafts were prepared several times over the years. The Cabinet meeting held on August 29, 2025 had approved the signing of the agreement. The process was delayed after the government collapsed following the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9.

Before the signing, the labour ministers of both countries held a bilateral meeting. During the talks, Minister Bhandari said the agreement would give a stronger and more structured basis to labour cooperation between Nepal and Saudi Arabia. He added that it would make the recruitment of Nepali general workers fair, clear and cost-effective. He also expressed hope that the agreement would help protect the rights of Nepali workers and improve job security in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement covers worker benefits, working conditions, social security, health care, enforcement of labour contracts, grievance handling and protection of worker rights. It seeks to safeguard workers’ interests based on the laws of both countries, international labour standards and mutual understanding.

The Nepali Embassy in Riyadh said the agreement is expected to strengthen services, safety and job stability for Nepali workers already in Saudi Arabia and those who go there in the future.

Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia often file complaints over issues such as non-payment of minimum wages, changes to contracts, restrictions on returning home and neglect in medical treatment. According to the Department of Foreign Employment, 152,557 Nepalis received labour permits, including renewals, to work in Saudi Arabia in fiscal year 2081/82. In the previous fiscal year 2080/81, the number stood at 141,502.

People’s News Monitoring Service