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Nepal Workplace Rights & Protections 2025
Safety obligations, anti-harassment law, anti-discrimination protections, and how to file a complaint — all verified from Labour Act 2074 and Constitution of Nepal.
Every employee in Nepal has a right to a safe, harassment-free workplace. This right is protected by the Labour Act 2074, Constitution of Nepal 2015 (Article 34), and the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Prevention Act 2014. Violations carry fines, criminal liability, and grounds for compensation. [Source: Labour Act 2074; Constitution of Nepal 2015, Article 34; Sexual Harassment at Workplace Prevention Act 2071]
Your Core Workplace Rights
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Right to a Safe Workplace
Employer must maintain safe working conditions, provide protective equipment, train employees on hazards, and keep an accident register. Hazardous work is limited to 6 hours/day.
[Labour Act 2074, Sections 41–44]
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Freedom from Harassment
Both sexual harassment and workplace bullying are illegal. Employer must have a grievance procedure. Victims may file internally or directly with the Labour Office or court.
[Sexual Harassment at Workplace Prevention Act 2071]
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No Discrimination
Employers cannot discriminate on the basis of sex, caste, ethnicity, religion, disability, or political opinion. Equal pay for equal work is constitutionally guaranteed.
[Constitution of Nepal 2015, Articles 18 & 24]
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Right to Organise
Workers have the right to form and join trade unions, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action (strikes) within legal limits.
[Labour Act 2074, Section 4; Constitution, Article 34]
Employer Safety Obligations
Under Labour Act 2074, employers with 10 or more workers must:
| Obligation | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Safe premises | Adequate lighting, ventilation, sanitation, and emergency exits | Labour Act 2074, S.41 |
| Protective equipment | Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge for hazardous work | Labour Act 2074, S.42 |
| Accident register | Record all workplace accidents and report serious injuries to Labour Office | Labour Act 2074, S.44 |
| Safety training | Train workers on hazard identification and emergency procedures | Labour Act 2074, S.43 |
| Health facility | Companies with 100+ workers must have an in-house health post or clinic | Labour Act 2074, S.41 |
| Hazardous hour limit | Maximum 6 hours/day for workers in hazardous environments | Labour Act 2074, S.29 |
| SSF registration | Work accident covered from Day 1 — employer liable if not registered | SSF Act 2074, S.9(6) |
Sexual Harassment at the Workplace
Sexual harassment is a criminal offence in Nepal. Under the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Prevention Act 2071 (2014), perpetrators face fines and imprisonment. Employers who fail to take action also face penalties. [Source: Sexual Harassment at Workplace Prevention Act 2071]
What Counts as Sexual Harassment
- Unwanted physical contact or advances
- Requests for sexual favours (especially linked to employment decisions)
- Verbal sexual comments, jokes, or innuendo
- Displaying sexually explicit material in the workplace
- Electronic harassment via messages, emails, or social media
- Creating a hostile or offensive work environment through sexual conduct
Employer Obligations
| Obligation | Detail |
|---|---|
| Complaints committee | Companies with 10+ workers must form a complaints committee (majority women) |
| Policy | Must have a written anti-harassment policy and display it prominently |
| Investigation | Must investigate complaints within 60 days |
| No retaliation | Cannot punish, demote, or dismiss complainant for filing |
| Confidentiality | Investigation details must be kept confidential |
How to File a Complaint
1️⃣
Internal Committee
File written complaint with your company's internal complaints committee. They must respond within 60 days.
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Labour Office
If internal process fails or company lacks a committee, file directly at the district Labour Office.
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District Court
For criminal charges or if Labour Office doesn't act, file in District Court. Victim can claim compensation.
Caste-Based Discrimination — Zero Tolerance
Caste-based discrimination in the workplace is a criminal offence under the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act 2011. Penalties include fines and imprisonment. [Source: Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability Act 2068; Constitution of Nepal 2015, Article 24]
What is Prohibited
- Refusing to hire based on caste
- Differential treatment in pay, promotion, or duties based on caste
- Verbal slurs or derogatory caste-based comments
- Excluding employees from workplace facilities by caste
- Any form of untouchability practice
How to File
- File at District Police Office or District Court
- Complain to Labour Office for employment-specific discrimination
- File via Nagarik App or call 1111
- National Human Rights Commission: nhrcnepal.org
- Keep evidence: messages, witnesses, records of differential treatment
Protection Against Retaliation
Filing a complaint cannot legally cost you your job. Employer cannot terminate, demote, reduce pay, or create a hostile environment in retaliation for a worker who files a complaint about harassment, safety violations, wage theft, or SSF non-compliance. Any retaliation is itself an independent legal violation subject to penalty. [Source: Labour Act 2074, Section 50; Sexual Harassment Act 2071]