FNJ Kuwait celebrates 16th ’versary with labor rights awareness event for migrant workers

By Raj Malla
Special to The Times Kuwait

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Foreign Branch Kuwait, commemorated its 16th anniversary with a Labor Awareness Program focused on promoting the rights, dignity, and protection of Nepali migrant workers. Held at the Capital Hotel, the event brought together over 100 participants, including diplomats, journalists, community leaders, and labor rights advocates.

Presided over by FNJ Kuwait Chairperson Raj Malla, the event featured Nepal’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Ghanashyam Lamsal, as Chief Guest. In his address, the Ambassador emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among diplomatic, journalistic, and civil society actors to strengthen the legal and social protection of Nepali workers abroad.

Amish Karki, Country Coordinator of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Kuwait, led a special session on global labour standards and their relevance to migrant work in the Gulf. His insights sparked active discussion among media professionals and labour stakeholders.

A key highlight of the program was a panel discussion titled “Legal Updates and the Current Status of Nepali Migrant Workers in Kuwait”, moderated by journalist Dipendra Niraula. The panel featured Premraj Gautam, First Secretary at the Nepali Embassy, Amish Karki, and Randhoj Lama, President of NRNA National Council Kuwait. The dialogue addressed policy challenges, legal gaps, and the importance of accessible information for migrant workers.

In a special tribute to journalistic integrity, the Madhav Shahi Memorial Award for Philanthropic Journalism 2025 was presented to veteran journalist Suresh Gurung, honoring his contributions to ethical reporting and community service. The award included a certificate and a KD 75 cash prize, presented by Ambassador Lamsal.

The event was hosted by FNJ Secretary Akash Sherpa and made possible through the generous support of Al Muzaini Exchange and other institutional partners.

In his concluding remarks, Chairperson Malla reaffirmed FNJ Kuwait’s commitment to labour-centric journalism and advocacy. “This event symbolizes our shared responsibility toward the thousands of Nepali migrant workers who strive daily under difficult conditions,” he said, pledging more policy-driven programs in the future to empower the diaspora.

With strong engagement and positive feedback, FNJ Kuwait’s 16th anniversary stood as a meaningful milestone in its ongoing mission to support migrant workers through media, dialogue, and solidarity.