Introduction:
The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) is a key government body of Nepal responsible for formulating, implementing, and monitoring policies and programs related to labor management, employment promotion, and social security.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!MoLESS was established to protect workers’ rights, promote decent employment opportunities, and ensure social justice and welfare for all laborers in Nepal.
- The ministry oversees both domestic and foreign employment sectors, ensuring safe, fair, and productive working conditions for Nepali workers.
It plays a vital role in managing labor migration, employment creation, and social protection programs, aligning with Nepal’s broader goals of inclusive economic development and poverty reduction.
Objectives of MoLESS:
- To develop fair labor policies ensuring workers’ rights and employer responsibilities.
- To create employment opportunities through skill development and entrepreneurship support.
- To regulate foreign employment and ensure migrant worker welfare.
- To promote social security programs for laborers and vulnerable groups.
- To maintain harmonious labor relations between employees and employers.
Functions of MoLESS:
- Policy Formulation and Implementation:
- Designs and enforces labor laws, employment policies, and social security frameworks.
- Coordinates with national and international labor organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO).
- Employment Promotion:
- Implements youth employment programs, vocational training, and job creation initiatives.
- Operates employment service centers for job matching and career guidance.
- Foreign Employment Management:
- Regulates manpower agencies and oversees safe labor migration.
- Ensures the protection and welfare of Nepali migrant workers abroad through bilateral labor agreements.
- Social Security Administration:
- Manages Social Security Fund (SSF) to provide benefits such as retirement pensions, health insurance, maternity leave, and accident compensation.
- Labor Inspection and Regulation:
- Monitors workplaces to ensure compliance with labor laws, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
- Dispute Resolution:
- Handles labor disputes and promotes industrial peace through mediation and negotiation mechanisms.
Key Departments and Divisions Under MoLESS:
- Department of Labour – Oversees labor administration, inspection, and welfare.
- Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) – Regulates foreign employment and manages labor migration.
- Foreign Employment Promotion Board (FEPB) – Promotes safe and dignified foreign employment.
- Social Security Fund (SSF) – Manages contributions and benefits for workers.
- Employment Management Department – Focuses on job creation and skill enhancement.
Major Programs and Initiatives:
- Prime Minister Employment Program (PMEP):
Provides short-term employment opportunities to unemployed individuals across Nepal. - Social Security Program (SSP):
Offers financial and health benefits to workers registered under the Social Security Fund. - Skill Development Training Programs:
Focuses on enhancing the technical and vocational skills of youth for domestic and foreign employment. - Foreign Employment Information System:
Provides online services for job seekers and migrants to ensure transparency and safety.
Importance of MoLESS:
- Ensures protection of labor rights and promotes decent working conditions.
- Encourages employment generation and reduces unemployment rates.
- Regulates and supports safe labor migration for millions of Nepali workers abroad.
- Strengthens social security coverage for both formal and informal sector workers.
- Contributes to economic growth by creating a productive and skilled workforce.