A new rule for women in Nepal, local ward approval must be sought before traveling abroad

- Rule to prevent vulnerable Nepali women from becoming victims of human trafficking

New delhi date. Sunday, March 7, 2021

The Government of Nepal has announced a new rule to protect women. Under this, if a woman wants to travel abroad, she has to seek the permission of her family and the local ward. The law covers women over the age of 40. Nepalese officials have expressed support for the new rule.

According to officials, the new rule has been enacted to prevent vulnerable Nepali women from becoming victims of human trafficking. According to Ramesh Kumar, Nepal's transport department, human traffickers prey on vulnerable, uneducated and poor women by claiming lucrative jobs abroad.

These women are sexually abused and many other crimes are committed. According to Ramesh Kumar, women below the age of 40 do not need such documents for foreign travel. This new rule is for women who are weak and traveling abroad for the first time.

Apart from that, this rule is especially applicable to lonely and dangerous African and Gulf countries where Nepali women do not get work permits. About 35,000 people, including 15,000 women and 5,000 girls, were trafficked in 2018, according to figures released by the National Human Rights Commission.

Opposition by women activists

Activists working for women's rights have strongly opposed the proposal. He has protested against this new rule from social media to the streets. He called the rule unconstitutional and an attempt to infringe on women's freedom of movement and right to life.

The law will take effect in a few months

According to the Nepal Labor Migration Report 2020, 3.5 million people in the country have been issued labor permits to work abroad. Only 5 percent of them are women. The new rule has been sent to the Home Ministry for implementation and is expected to come into force next month.