The number of individuals enrolling in the Social Security Fund (SSF) through foreign employment has surpassed one million. It has become mandatory for those seeking labor approval for foreign employment to enroll in the SSF. According to the SSF, 1,011,805 individuals have enrolled in the fund from March 21, 2023, to August 2, 2024. However, the number of those continuing their contributions remains very low.

Due to the mandate, every worker must deposit NPR 2,300 into the fund before obtaining labor approval for foreign employment. From the 1,011,805 enrollees during this period, a total of NPR 2.32 billion has been accumulated. Despite this, the data indicates that no one has made more than a single contribution.

SSF Director and Spokesperson Vivek Panthi stated that while the number of initial enrollments is high due to the mandatory requirement, the continuity of contributions is extremely low. He mentioned that just last month, the SSF amended its procedures to include the families of workers who have gone for foreign employment. According to the SSF, only two to three percent of those who enrolled have continued their contributions. The remaining have not maintained their contributions to the fund.

Panthi attributed the lack of continuity to insufficient awareness about the benefits of the fund among those seeking foreign employment. He noted that those who are self-employed abroad and understand the benefits continue their contributions, whereas those who enroll before leaving the country often do not.

The SSF acknowledges its shortcomings in effectively communicating the benefits of the fund. Therefore, they are planning various programs to promote the fund as a campaign. The SSF is collaborating with banks and remittance companies to enhance social security awareness and ensure continuous contributions from foreign workers. Currently, 1,511,805 individuals are enrolled in the SSF, including 1,011,805 foreign employment seekers and 516,777 from the formal sector. New workers preparing for foreign employment are required to enroll in the SSF before obtaining labor approval. Both those preparing for foreign employment and those already abroad can join the scheme during labor approval or renewal.

Workers enrolled in the scheme must contribute NPR 2,300 monthly. A 10% discount is offered if they pay six months or one year of contributions in advance.

The SSF has made it possible to deposit contributions via Khalti, eSewa, and Connect IPS. The SSF aims to include 2.2 million foreign workers in the fund. Contributions are allocated to accident and disability security, dependent family security, and old-age security plans. According to the SSF, workers going to Malaysia, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are the majority of those enrolled in the fund.

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