Fees keep Nepal-Israel farm, care worker deals on hold
Summary
Disputes over recruitment and service fees have stalled Nepal’s proposed agreements with Israel for agricultural and home-based care workers. Nepal objects to the charges under its government-led recruitment policy, while Israel says authorized agencies can legally collect them.
Key Points
- Nepal and Israel have stalled two draft labour agreements over recruitment and service fees for Nepali workers in agriculture and home-based care.
- The proposed fees are 3,825 shekels for agricultural workers and 6,443 shekels for home-based caregivers, with additional costs such as tickets, medical tests, visas and insurance.
- Nepal says the charges conflict with its government-led recruitment model, while Israel says private agencies are legally allowed to collect service fees.
- Israel’s ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, said the delay is costing Nepali workers opportunities and noted that demand in agriculture and home care is high.
