KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security is moving ahead with plans to sign labour agreements with seven more countries to better manage foreign employment.

The government is preparing to fully automate labour re-approval services to make the process faster and more efficient.

The ministry is also conducting labour audits in 100 companies to monitor workplace safety and health standards.

Officials said reforms to five labour-related laws, including the Child Labour Prohibition Act, are in the final stage, while local employment centres will be upgraded into skill and entrepreneurship hubs.

Key plans include enrolling more institutions in the Social Security Fund, training workers, addressing complaints through a call centre, and improving labour service delivery.

The ministry also reported rising financial irregularities and has ordered investigations into large pending advances, while proposing a national fund to help stranded migrant workers abroad.