Etihad airways to fly Nepal from Oct 28

Labour minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Kaabi on Wednesday said that Etihad Airways (EA), the National Airline of the UAE would start direct flights between Kathmandu and Dubai from October 28.

Wrapping up his three-day long visit to Nepal on Wednesday, Dr. AL Kaabi said that the Etihad's service would even help for more tourism in Nepal.

"Hopefully, after the airline comes in here, we are going to establish an office by the end of this year," he added.

Talking about the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on manpower, which was signed between Nepal and UAE on Tuesday, he said, "The signing of labour agreement is a beginning for the strong relation between the UAE and Nepal regarding labour export."

He also said that the agreement seeks to eliminate illegal processes of sending and receiving manpower to UAE.

Minister of State for Labour and Transport Management Ramesh Lekhak, speaking at the same press meet said, "According to MoU, only licensed manpower agencies in Nepal will be demanded for labour and it will be published."

He said that the agreement assures right, safely and status of Nepalese workers in UAE.

According to the agreement, a joint body having equal representation from the government of Nepal and UAE will be formed.

Lekhak also said that duration of the agreement is set for four years and after this period, the agreement will be renewed automatically.