Paper short abstract:

Brokers of foreign employment are ubiquitous in Nepal, yet hardly visible. A bad reputation has driven many agents underground. However, private recruitment companies are a booming business. Migration brokers present an important bridge and perform multiple roles in society, economy, and politics.

Paper long abstract:

In Nepal, the reputation of brokers (Dalals) is still very negative. Recent fraud cases and media reports have reinforced the bad image. Especially facilitators of international labour migration and foreign employment are frequently under critique. Therefore, many brokers remain invisible and work from the underground. Consequently, monitoring and control is difficult, despite various efforts by the Government of Nepal. Current political instability as well as a lacking documentation increase this problem. Nevertheless, migration brokers play diverse important roles, both for Nepalese men and women considering working abroad as well as for foreign companies in search of labour force. In addition, recruitment agents could contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction, as well as to empowerment of disadvantaged groups and peace building in Nepal. Current developments indicate a growing interest of private agents to register themselves at the Department of Foreign Employment, aiming at more independence from the more than 750 Nepali recruitment companies. While some agents see themselves as business men, others highlight their role as social workers. The main goal of the newly established Agent Association is to raise awareness of their importance in society and politics. Thus, the big existing gap between law and practice, between self-presentation and public expectations might decrease in future. This could lead to a safer migration on the one hand, and to more respect for the multiple functions of the labour brokers on the other hand.