I completely agree with Hemlata Rai ("Why can't 'manpower' agencies find jobs for women?", #127). Nepalis are migrating because there aren't enough jobs and opportunities at home. Nepali women have always taken care of their families, so why restrict their travel in search of work? The employment opportunities for Nepali women is limited. At a time when remittance from Nepali workers abroad has become a pillar of the national economy, the government has to be more serious on training and providing awareness facilities to those willing to go abroad. Of course, the government and the job recruiters should be more careful to monitor abuse and exploitation.
More importantly, Nepali consulates and organisations in the host countries should keep track of the workers-both men and women-so that they can help them in times of crises.

One other point, there are now about 8,000 Nepalis working in Japan. They send large amounts of money home through the hundi system. This is terrible loss to the country. Why doesn't the government finally act on regularising this remittance through official channels? Banks could do better business and the government could keep track of what's coming in.

Kumar Basnet
Sophia University, Tokyo