Submit your Article

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Agricultural Development Bank Limited (ADBL) in witness of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) have officially partnered to launch a strategic financial support initiative aimed at the stable reintegration of Nepali migrant workers returning from the Republic of Korea.

The initiative is implemented under the project "Strengthening Stage-Wise Support System for the Stable Reintegration of Korea Returnee Migrants in Nepal”. 

The two organizations will implement a dedicated program to provide increased access to finance for eligible beneficiaries who are returnee migrants from Korea and have participated in the K-HaMi Project, completing relevant entrepreneurship training till 2028, KOICA stated in a press release today.

The program features a robust financial structure designed to provide sustainable, long-term support. 

Out of the total project budget of USD 8 million, KOICA will provide USD 2.5 million for this program, which will be utilized only for interest subsidy for the loan extended to the eligible Korea returnees. Whereas, ADBL will allocate approximately NPR 1.2 billion (USD    8 million approximate) to be used as loan capital for Korea returnees.

It is estimated that 200 to 250 beneficiaries will be supported through this fund, depending on individual loan sizes and total fund utilization.The average loan size is projected at Rs 5 million. 

The primary objective of this partnership is to create a stable environment for entrepreneurship by overcoming the financial barriers often faced by returnee migrants. By improving access to capital, the program seeks to utilize the skills and experiences gained in Korea to drive local economic growth in Nepal.

Country Director of KOICA Mooheon Kong, states that the program is specifically designed for returnee migrants from Korea who have demonstrated a commitment to their reintegration by participating in the K-HaMi Project and successfully completing relevant entrepreneurship training. 

By focusing on this group, the initiative ensures that the capital is paired with the necessary business skills for long-term success. 

Similarly, Joint Secretary of MoLESS Krishna Sapkota shared that the K-HaMi project launched by KOICA for Korea returnee migrants has been highly successful in reintegration, skill development and financial literacy. 

He added that the access to finance component will be the most impactful component of this project. 

He expected similar projects from other donors too.

Deputy General Manager at ADBL, Sudip Dahal, said that ADBL is fully committed to implement this program. He stated that the ADBL is eager to work in the area of enterprise development and youth employment creation. 

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between South Korea and Nepal, moving beyond labor migration toward a model of sustainable economic reintegration.

By transforming returnees into job creators, KOICA, MoLESS and ADBL are investing in the long-term prosperity of the Nepali economy.

As KOICA marks over three decades of development cooperation in Nepal, it reiterates its commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities. 

Since 1991, KOICA has been a key development partner of Nepal, supporting vital sectors such as health, education, agriculture, vocational training, IT, rural development, and tourism. More than 2,921 KOICA volunteers have served in Nepal, and over 2,230 Nepali officials have participated in KOICA’s fellowship programs. 

With development assistance exceeding USD200 million by 2025, the partnership between Nepal and the Republic of Korea continues to grow stronger.

Devotees are seen congregating at Matatirtha in Chandragiri Municipality-6 to perform ceremonial offerings (Tarpan, Shraddha) and worship in memory of their late mothers. 

Spokesperson at Chandragiri Municipality Krishna Prasad Khadgi said that devotees have been taking holy dip, and performing ceremonial offering and worship at Matatirtha since 3 am today. 

People without mothers take holy dip and offer worship to Harihar (combined form of Lord Bishnu and Shiva) at the sacred site early in the morning. 

It is widely believed that taking holy bath at Matatirtha pond brings peace to the departed mother. 

On the premises of the sacred site, a statue called 'Sajha Aama' which symbolizes all mothers, has also been installed by sculptor Ramkrishna Bhandari. 

Every year, those without mothers go there, take bath in the pond, offer delicacies and other food items, and celebrate Mother's Day. 

To manage the fair, the Matatirtha Fair Management Committee along with local social organizations have been mobilized.

A fire broke out at the Janakpur Refineries Company at the Dhalekbar-based Mithila Municipality-7 in Dhanusha district.   

In the fire that occurred last night, the company lost nearly Rs 150 million as key machines were gutted to cinders, Manager Sanjaya Gupta said. 

The Janakpur Refineries Company is involved in the refined oil processing business.

The fire was brought under control in two hours by the firefighters and security personnel by mobilizing five fire engines from Janakpur, Mahendranagar and Dhalkebar in the district. 

Police Inspector of the Area Police Office Laxman KC said that it could take some days to estimate the total loss caused from the fire. 

The reason behind the fire has not been ascertained yet,  police said. 

There is a partial influence of westerly and local winds in the country and has led to partly cloudy weather conditions in most parts of the country today.  

The weather is generally cloudy in the Himalayan region, partly cloudy in the hilly region and generally fair in the Tarai region.

The Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology shared that light rain and snowfall is taking place in one or two places of the hilly and Himalayan regions of the Koshi Province.   

This afternoon, generally cloudy conditions are expected in the hills and Himalayan regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces. 

There is a possibility of light rain and snowfall at one or two places in the hills and Himalayan regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces.

Later tonight, generally cloudy conditions are expected in the hills and Himalayan regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, and partly cloudy in the Tarai area of the Koshi Province and the hilly regions of the other remaining provinces.