Migrant workers included in social security scheme

KATHMANDU: Migrant workers and self-employed persons have been included in the social security scheme of the country from today onward. In the presence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Social Security Fund (SSF) today hosted a programme to initiate the task of including migrant workers in the contribution-based social security scheme. SSF Spokesperson Bibek Panthi informed that SSF was extending its coverage to migrant workers in foreign employment. Tens of thousands Nepali migrant workers will reap benefits from the scheme once it comes into effect today, Panthi said. In this connection, SSF had already approved procedural guidelines to enrol migrant workers, informal sector employees and self-employed persons in the social security scheme. Trade union organisations have long been demanding inclusion of informal sector employees and self-employed persons in the net of the social security scheme. Though informal sector workers have been receiving benefits from the social security plan for three years, migrant workers and self-employed persons living abroad were being deprived of the service. The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has also long been advocating for including migrant workers in the social security scheme. Those obtaining new work permits will be mandatorily included in the scheme from today onward. Around 2,000 people obtain work permits on daily basis. Those obtaining work permits should deposit contributions equivalent to one month's salary to the SSF. Spokesperson Panthi said a worker going abroad for employment will entitle to receive 10% discount while depositing contributions worth amounting to a six-month salary. The migrant workers living abroad can enlist them from the website of the fund and deposit their contribution amount. [gallery columns="1" size="full" link="file" ids="34481,34482"] According to the approved procedural guideline, migrant workers or self-employed persons living abroad can participate in the facility by depositing at least 21.33% amount of basic remuneration or a minimum of Rs 2,000 monthly and its three-fold maximum. Panthi informed that 399,566 employees of the formal sector have so far enrolled in the fund. A total of Rs 30.87 billion has been deposited to the fund. The SSF has made payment of Rs 3.81 billion to the contributors as per their claim. The contribution-based social security scheme has been brought into implementation since November 27, 2018. READ ALSO:

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