Labor Act amendment being prepared to cover gig and platform workers

The government has moved ahead with the process of amending the Labor Act, 2074, to bring gig workers, platform workers and informal-sector workers within the legal framework. The amendment also aims to regulate foreign workers coming to Nepal on nomad visas.

Preparations are underway to extend the amendment's coverage even to workers employed through outsourcing. The ministry says the current Act has not adequately addressed new forms of the labor market and workers' problems, and it aims to finalize the amendment within this fiscal year.

Chakrapani Pandey, director-general of the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety, said the government task force formed for the amendment has prepared a proposal and submitted it to the ministry. The draft will now be discussed with stakeholders before being finalized.

According to Director-General Pandey, the amendment is being pursued to make the law timely, in line with the current situation and needs of workers. The Labor Act, first enacted in 2048 BS, was replaced by the new Act in 2074 BS.