Nepali migrant workers and students living in Cyprus have submitted a memorandum to the Nepali Consulate Office in Nicosia on Sunday, drawing attention to the difficulties, hardships, and challenges they are facing.
The program was organized under the coordination of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Cyprus, in collaboration with various Nepali organizations. The memorandum was prepared collectively and submitted through the Embassy to the Government of Nepal.
Representatives of participating organizations shared their experiences related to social security, labor rights, salary facilities, student-related issues, and negligence by manpower agencies. They stated that these matters require serious attention from the state.
The memorandum highlights that many workers have not received refunds of their social security (social insurance) contributions even after completing their contract periods, despite paying for many years. This situation has made their future more uncertain.
Participants also expressed dissatisfaction with manpower agencies that ignore stranded workers. They stated that workers’ suffering will not end unless strict action is taken against such companies. In addition, they urged the Embassy to play an active role in controlling illegal hundi transactions and loan-sharking activities, which are putting workers’ hard-earned income at risk.
During the program, Honorary Consul Dr. Ram Jeevan Panjiyar stated that the problems of Nepalis in Cyprus are increasing day by day. He emphasized that cooperation among all organizations is essential to find long-term solutions.
He said, “Only when the community moves forward together can the rights of workers and students be protected.”
Domestic workers also shared their struggles, including delayed salaries, lack of proper food and accommodation, and being deprived of social and medical insurance. Participants further raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the reopening of No Objection Certificate (NOC) approvals for students, which had previously been suspended due to various problems. This has created confusion among many students.
Various organizations in Cyprus signed the memorandum, expressing institutional unity. The signatories include the Non-Resident Nepali Association, Nepal Magar Association, Nepal Tamang Ghedung, Kirat Rai Yayokkha, Tamu Society, Sudurpaschim Nepali Society, and God Grace C.F.
Considering the growing Nepali community in Cyprus, participants demanded government initiatives to establish a permanent embassy. They stressed the need for closer cooperation among the government, the embassy, and the community to ensure the safety, dignity, and future of workers and students.
They also requested the establishment of regular quarterly virtual and in-person meetings among Nepali organizations in Cyprus, the Honorary Consul, and the Embassy to identify and resolve emerging issues in a timely manner.
Key Points of the Memorandum
- Ensure that workers receive refunds of deducted social insurance contributions after completing their contract periods.
- Improve salary facilities, accommodation, and timely social and medical insurance for domestic workers.
- Monitor and investigate how NOC approvals for students were reopened after being previously suspended.
- Take strict action against manpower agencies that neglect stranded workers.
- Disseminate information to discourage illegal hundi transactions and loan-sharking practices.
- Hold quarterly virtual and physical discussions among Nepali organizations, the Honorary Consul, and the Embassy.
- Urge the Government of Nepal, through the Embassy, to initiate the establishment of a permanent embassy in Cyprus in view of the growing Nepali population.
