Kathmandu, May 1 -- Romania has drafted a new labour bill that could significantly restrict access for foreign workers, including thousands of Nepalis. The bill proposes stringent requirements on companies supplying migrant labour.

The draft law requires recruitment or 'supply' companies to deposit 75,000 euros to bring in up to 250 workers. An additional 50,000 euros would be needed for every additional 250 workers. Recruitment firms must also have operated continuously for at least three years and recruited at least 100 workers in the previous year.

If enforced in its current form, the new law could sharply reduce the number of companies eligible to recruit migrant workers. Romanian employers themselves have criticised the proposal. W...