MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ASSOCIATIONS OF MONGOLIANS ABROAD
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Council of Mongolians Abroad NGO is organizing the 3rd Forum of the Associations and NGOs of Mongolians Abroad in Ulaanbaatar. These NGOs work toward protecting the legal rights and resolving social issues of Mongolian nationals living, working, and studying abroad.
President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga received representatives of such associations working in over 40 countries in frames of the Forum today.
At the beginning of the meeting, President Battulga thanked the representatives of NGOs for protecting the rights of Mongolian nationals in their countries of residence and promoting Mongolian culture and heritages, while wishing success to the Forum. President Battulga emphasized that the resolution of some issues confronted by Mongolians abroad is an outcome of the previous Forums and the efforts of the NGOs and discussed the existing challenges.
N.Nomun-Erdene, Head of the Council of Mongolians Abroad NGO, mentioned that the situation of Mongolian nationals abroad improved, and a study on the quality and reach of consular services was launched with the implementation of a policy for Mongolians abroad by the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while conveying the confidence of many Mongolians that the activities of consulates will be more transparent. Moreover, Mr. Nomun-Erdene talked about the creation of legal environment for Mongolians working in some countries that enables them to deposit social insurance contributions in their country of residence and receive pensions from Mongolia, communicating the wishes of Mongolians abroad that the policy-makers must put efforts into realizing such policy in more countries.
Although over 41 thousand Mongolians are studying abroad, according to unofficial records, there are no conditions and opportunities for them to return to and work in Mongolia. The student associations of Mongolians abroad in 23 countries commonly believe that the reason is the lack of labor standards and labor market studies. It was reported to the President that these issues, therefore, had been addressed at the Forum, and it had been concluded that government organizations, including the Cabinet and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should work closely with student associations, starting with relevant studies.
President Battulga talked about the resolution of some issues Mongolians abroad face and expressed his willingness to cooperate.
The representatives of the NGOs abroad exchanged elaborate views with President Battulga about organizing Mongolian Cultural Days events, teaching Mongolian language and literature and passing on the traditional heritage to Mongolian kids abroad, and contribution of Mongolians abroad to their home country.
