Nepal has proposed holding a meeting of the Nepal-Malaysia Joint Working Group (JWG) in Kathmandu in November or December to discuss the recruitment of Nepali workers, including concerns over Malaysia’s Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS).
The Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment has formally conveyed the proposal to Malaysia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking bilateral discussions on recruitment procedures under the FWCMS and other labour migration issues.
Nepal has proposed November 18-19 or December 2-3, 2026, for the meeting, with the final dates to be agreed upon according to Malaysia’s convenience.
Kathmandu has also called for existing recruitment procedures to remain in place until both sides agree on a new arrangement, to ensure continuity and predictability in the recruitment of Nepali workers.
The proposed talks are expected to focus on making worker selection and recruitment more systematic, transparent and worker-friendly. The two sides are also expected to finalise a draft for renewing the memorandum of understanding on labour signed by Nepal and Malaysia in 2018.
Nepal’s concerns centre on how workers are selected, processed and recruited under the FWCMS, and how any changes to the system should be managed by the two governments. The proposal does not specify individual complaints about the system, instead identifying recruitment-related issues for discussion through bilateral dialogue.
Nepal has reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of Nepali workers, promoting safe and dignified overseas employment, and strengthening long-term labour cooperation with Malaysia for the mutual benefit of both countries.
