Introduction
SaMi works through four interconnected programme pillars to support safer migration for Nepali workers and their families. By combining reliable information, legal protection, psychosocial care, and financial literacy training, the programme addresses the key risks migrants face and empowers communities to make informed migration decisions.
Access to Information
Many Nepali migrant workers leave the country without accurate information about employment contracts, recruitment processes, or their rights abroad. This lack of knowledge often leads to exploitation and unsafe migration practices.
SaMi addresses these information gaps by providing clear and accessible guidance through community awareness sessions, Migration Resource Centres, digital platforms, and printed materials. Trained advisors and community facilitators ensure migrants receive accurate information before departure, during employment, and upon return.
By increasing awareness of safe migration practices, SaMi helps migrants avoid risky recruitment channels and better understand their rights and responsibilities.
Key Activities
- Pre-departure orientation sessions
- Community awareness campaigns
- Distribution of information materials and digital resources
Access to Justice
Migrant workers often face legal violations such as contract substitution, unpaid wages, or confiscation of passports by employers. These situations leave many workers vulnerable and unsure where to seek help.
SaMi strengthens migrants' access to justice by connecting them with legal aid services and referral networks. The programme works with legal organizations and government institutions to ensure migrant workers receive the support they need to resolve disputes and claim their rights.
For example, a migrant worker who returned from overseas after experiencing wage theft received assistance through an MRC. With legal support, the worker was able to file a complaint and recover unpaid wages.
Key Activities
- Legal counselling and referral services
- Case documentation and support
- Collaboration with legal aid organizations
Psychosocial Support
Migration can have profound emotional and psychological impacts on migrants and their families. Long periods of separation, workplace stress, and reintegration challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and trauma.
SaMi provides psychosocial support services to help migrants and their families cope with these challenges. Through counselling sessions, peer support groups, and trained community volunteers, migrants can access safe spaces to discuss their experiences and receive emotional support.
These services help individuals rebuild confidence, strengthen family relationships, and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Key Activities
- Individual counselling services
- Peer support groups for migrants and returnees
- Community awareness on mental health and well-being
Financial Literacy
For many migrant families, remittances are a crucial source of income. However, without financial planning, these funds may be mismanaged or used to repay migration-related debts rather than building long-term security.
SaMi promotes financial literacy by training migrant workers and their families in budgeting, savings, and investment strategies. The programme also connects participants with formal banking services and encourages responsible financial planning.
Many returnee migrants use these skills to start small businesses or invest in education, agriculture, or local enterprises.
Key Activities
- Financial literacy training sessions
- Savings and budgeting workshops
- Linkages with banks and financial institutions