A STUDY ON THE SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS AS TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME IN NEPAL

Migrant smuggling in Nepal is a complex issue influenced by socio-economic disparities, porous borders, and transnational networks. Situated between major South Asian migration corridors, Nepal serves as both a source and transit country for migrants seeking better opportunities. Many Nepalese migrants, despite regulatory efforts, opt for irregular pathways facilitated by smugglers, exposing themselves to exploitation, abuse, and dangerous conditions. The legal and institutional frameworks in Nepal struggle to address this issue effectively. Existing laws, such as the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act and the Foreign Employment Act, offer some recourse but lack specific provisions targeting migrant smuggling, creating loopholes that smugglers exploit. The intricate networks of smugglers, recruiters, brokers, and facilitators operate across national and international borders, leveraging deception and coercion to lure vulnerable individuals. This study aims to deepen the understanding of migrant smuggling in Nepal by examining its drivers, dynamics, and impacts. Through comprehensive research and analysis, it seeks to inform evidence-based interventions and policy reforms, contributing to the broader discourse on migration governance and transnational crime in Nepal.