Employers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could be prompted to increase their minimum wages under fresh pressure from the Nepalese government, it has been reported.

With thousands of Nepalese a year heading to the Middle East in search of work, with construction jobs and hospitality jobs the most sought-after, ministers are looking for assurances that they will benefit from favorable employment conditions.

In addition, Nepal's minister for labor and transport management, Mohammad Aftab Alam, has also held talks with his UAE counterparts over the issue of better protection for women working as housemaids in the region, as well as the general image of Nepalese expatriates across the emirates.

Mr Alam told the National newspaper: "Presently Nepal faces a challenge of unemployment and the government is keen to improve the economy.

"We were assured all co-operation from the UAE Government. We will now prepare a detailed study on which sectors the two nations could co-operate."

Meanwhile, ArabianBusiness.com has reported that around 500 new jobs are to be created in Dubai as Proclad embarks on a $700 million oil and gas industry project over the coming months.