Our colleagues in Nepal are continuing to advocate that the government stand firm in its decision to pass visa and flight costs on to employers, rather than saddling workers with these fees. Here are some recent updates from the ground: The National Network For Safe Migration hosted a multi-stakeholder discussion on recruitment issues. The event was successful in drawing the attention of the broader stakeholders to the issue of FVFT and the ultimate demand of the CSOs to go for zero recruitment charges. The program was especially important in terms of participation: -8 members of the Parliamentary Committee for International Relations and Labour -Representatives from National Human Rights Commission and National Women's Commission -10 representatives from NAFEA including the current General Secretary and the past chairperson and board members -Prominent Human Rights activists -Amnesty Nepal Chairperson -Media -Trade Union representatives including GEFONT and NTUC -representatives from the other networks including AATWIN -researchers and academics -other civil society representatives The participants (except for representatives from NAFEA) agreed on the following: a. the government decision of Free Visa Free Ticket was very timely and necessary b. Government should not retract the decision but ensure its effective implementation c. Free and effective and inclusive monitoring mechanisms should be immediately created d. The government should ultimately ensure that no Nepali has to pay recruitment costs NAFEA argued that the labour market demand for Nepali workers will decrease, and that Nepali labour will be directed to other countries. They also said that they are not against the FVFT policy, but that the government should consider the cost involved in promotion and marketing and should allow the recruitment agencies to charge more service fees. Nepali civil society continues with its public awareness raising, social media, and letter writing campaigns. Support them by signing this petition and sharing with your networks!! No worker should have to pay to secure decent work!!