Hundreds of thousands of Nepali migrants working in Gulf States must be allowed to return home after the earthquake devastated their nation, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) said on Tuesday. ITUC has written to the Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates governments, asking them to suspend a sponsorship system which prevents the free movement of workers. (The system is criticised by human rights groups who compare it to modern day slavery) The United Nations estimates up to 8 million people have been affected by the quake. Hundreds of thousands of Nepali migrants are desperate for news of their loved ones, and want to return to Nepal and do what they can to meet their family’s needs, or in many cases bury their loved ones. They are helpless because they must honour a two or three year contract not to leave the country, not even being given compassionate leave at this time.