Kathmandu, Dec. 8 -- The hope of Nepali workers to secure 'zero cost' jobs in Qatar is ebbing fast due to the lack of progress on a bilateral understanding on the issue despite protracted negotiations spanning several months.

Last year, Nepal and Qatar, one of the most preferred destinations for Nepali migrant workers, had agreed to review their existing labour agreement signed in 2005.

Revisions in the bilateral agreement would have prevented Nepali workers from exorbitant fees imposed by the Qataris and also protect them against various other forms of exploitation in their host country.

It was Qatar which first proposed 'zero cost' modality for hiring Nepali workers through a review of the existing labour agreement. However, even aft...