Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expressed concern over the new standards set by the Malaysian government for foreign employment entrepreneurs. Prime Minister Karki on Thursday directed Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security Krishna Hari Pushkar to carry out homework and take necessary initiatives by studying the possible impact of the new Malaysian standard.

PM Karki’s press coordinator Ram Rawal said that he called Secretary Pushkar to his office on Thursday morning and took stock of the situation. Secretary Pushkar said that he has been informed about the new standards issued by Malaysia and the issue should be addressed diplomatically.

Prime Minister Karki has also asked to coordinate with the Ministries of Foreign, Finance and Labour. Malaysia is one of the most common destinations for Nepali migrant workers. Of the 1,200 foreign employment workers in Nepal, 900 are dependent on Malaysia.

According to Malaysia’s new criteria, only about a dozen big companies from Nepal will be eligible to send workers to the country.