Nepal, July 15 -- After a long wait, the Government of Nepal is planning to sign a Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA) on domestic work with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This landmark agreement will open legal employment pathways for thousands of Nepali domestic workers.

Whilst this is a welcome step, a question remains: Is the BLA a robust agreement to ensure labour rights and reduce the vulnerability of Nepali domestic workers to exploitation? The answer is 'no'. Research suggests BLAs are opaque diplomatic toothless agreements filled with vague and unenforceable promises that benefit host countries.

However, if the document's language is strong, its nature is legally binding and effective enforcement mechanisms are put in place, it m...