With an aim to financially help those Nepali workers who return back home after completing their overseas job, the Centre for Microfinance is starting unemployment insurance scheme in seven districts from Jan. 1, 2010.

As per the scheme, those paying premiums while working in foreign countries as migrant workers will get a fixed amount of money for at least three years after their return.

According to reports, the scheme is being initiated in 10 cooperatives of seven districts as a pilot project.

The center is mulling to expand the scheme to other districts if the pilot project achieves desirable results.

Tanahu, Rupandehi, Nawalparasi, Morang, Saptari, Kathmandu and Siraha are selected for the pilot project.

Those migrant workers paying premiums while working abroad will get financial assistance even if they lose their jobs midway.

The centre is also planning to give skill training to the families of those covered by unemployment insurance.

The centre has got financial assistance to the tune of US$ 200,000 from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to start this service. Around 11,000 persons are expected to reap benefit from this initiation. nepalnews.com