Number of Nepalis leaving for foreign employment increased significantly, even during Dashain
KATHMANDU:- Even in the month of Ashoj, (October)—a time typically marked by the festive spirit of Dashain—the number of Nepali youths heading abroad for employment has increased. Due to a lack of sufficient job opportunities within the country, more people are choosing to go abroad in search of work, setting aside the significance of the festive season.
According to the Department of Foreign Employment, 73,765 individuals obtained labor permits and departed for various countries for foreign employment during the month of Ashoj in the current fiscal year (2083/84). This figure represents the highest monthly total recorded during the first three months of the current fiscal year August, September, October, (Shrawan, Bhadra, and Ashoj).
Previously, 70,441 individuals left for foreign employment in the month of Shrawan, and 60,042 in the month of Bhadra. During the first quarter of the current fiscal year, a total of 204,248 youths obtained labor permits and left the country.
Navaraj Dhakal, Director General of the Department, stated that the latest labor permit statistics confirm that the trend of people leaving their families to seek employment abroad—even as the Dashain festival approaches—continues unabated, driven by the lack of job opportunities within the country. He noted that individuals are compelled to prioritize employment over the celebration of festivals.
According to the Department, 63,842 men and 9,923 women left for foreign employment in the month of Ashoj. Of the total number of departures, 39,248 individuals obtained new labor permits (through both institutional and individual channels), while 34,517 individuals returned to foreign employment by obtaining renewed labor permits.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the top destination for Nepali workers. In the month of Ashoj alone, 23,899 Nepalis arrived in the UAE for employment.
Meanwhile, 11,497 Nepalis went to Qatar (ranking second), 9,653 to Malaysia (ranking third), and 8,366 to Saudi Arabia (ranking fourth).
According to the department’s records, Nepalis primarily go abroad to work in the construction, service, manufacturing, and transportation sectors—serving as general laborers, security guards, cleaners, and drivers.
District-wise data shows that in the month of Ashoj, the highest number of youths—3,490—left for foreign employment from Jhapa district. Dhanusha district ranked second, with 3,326 youths departing for foreign jobs, while Morang district ranked third, with 3,177 youths heading abroad for employment.
The necessity for individuals to leave their families and homeland during the festive season to seek employment in Gulf countries and Malaysia further highlights the challenges in creating sustainable jobs within the country.
