Nepal’s Foreign Employment Rises 17.9% in FY 2025/26 – Over 90,000 Workers Leave in Two Months

Published on October 26, 2025

According to the latest Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) macroeconomic data for FY 2025/26, the number of Nepalese workers going abroad for employment has increased sharply, indicating strong labor migration trends. During the first two months of FY 2025/26, a total of 90,198 new workers obtained foreign employment approval — a 17.9% increasecompared to the same period last fiscal year.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continued to be the top destination, absorbing 37,381 Nepali workers and accounting for 41.4% of total new approvals. It was followed by Saudi Arabia (11,923 workers, 13.2%), Qatar (8,340 workers, 9.2%), and Kuwait (4,926 workers, 5.5%). Among other destinations, Japan and Cyprus recorded notable growth — with Japan rising 42% and Cyprus 14.8%, reflecting expanding demand for Nepali labor in both the industrial and caregiving sectors.

Meanwhile, Romania, which had surged in previous years, saw a 17.6% decline, while South Korea and Maldives also posted contractions of 9.4% and 20.7%, respectively. The Malaysia market, previously one of Nepal’s largest labor destinations, showed recovery with 5,748 approvals, marking a return after a slump in 2024.

In addition to new entrants, the renewal category — which includes workers renewing contracts for existing foreign employment — reached 45,884 individuals, up 13.1% from the previous year. Key renewal destinations were Qatar (14,113), UAE (11,675), Saudi Arabia (8,163), and Malaysia (5,003). Japan and Romania also posted significant increases in renewal numbers, underscoring job stability and longer employment periods for many Nepalis abroad.

Overall, the data shows Nepal’s labor migration rebounding strongly with over 1.36 lakh total departures (new and renewal combined) in just two months of FY 2025/26. Analysts believe this reflects persistent domestic job scarcity, coupled with rising foreign demand across the Gulf and East Asian economies.

NRB Report: Labour Migration to Saudi Arabia and Qatar Declines, Japan and Oman Surge

Overall, Nepal’s foreign-employment market continues to grow, though the direction of flow is changing. Declines in Saudi Arabia and Qatar are offset by sharp increases in Japan, Oman, and non-traditional markets, marking a gradual transition toward higher-skill and diversified overseas employment opportunities.

UAE Remains Top Job Destination for Nepali Workers with 37,381 Migrants in 2025/26

In FY 2025/26, the UAE remained Nepal’s top job destination, hosting 37,381 Nepali workers in the first two months alone — a 40% year-on-year increase. The Gulf region continues to absorb the majority of Nepali labor, with strong growth also seen in Japan and Cyprus. Total labor migration approvals (new and renewal) exceeded 136,000 during the review period.

Nepal’s Foreign Employment Rises 17.9% in FY 2025/26 – Over 90,000 Workers Leave in Two Months

In the first two months of FY 2025/26, Nepal sent 90,198 new workers abroad, up 17.9% year-on-year. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar remained the top destinations, while Japan and Cyprus showed growth. Including renewals, total foreign employment reached 1.36 lakh workers, highlighting Nepal’s ongoing dependence on labor migration for income and remittance.

NRB Report: Nepal’s Trade with China Expands Sharply as Industrial Imports Rise 32%

Nepal’s trade with China surged in early FY 2025/26, with imports up 25.1 percent to Rs 65.17 billion, led by a 32 percent rise in industrial imports. Key drivers included telecommunication equipment, fertilizers, solar panels, and machinery, marking a shift toward industrial investment — but also highlighting growing trade imbalance concerns.

Nepal Increases Imports of Telecommunication Equipment and Machinery from China by 52%

Nepal’s imports from China climbed to Rs 65.17 billion in the first two months of FY 2025/26, up 25 percent year-on-year, led by a 52.6 percent rise in telecommunication equipment and strong demand for industrial machinery. The surge reflects rising investments in technology and infrastructure but also adds to Nepal’s trade-deficit challenge.

Solar Panels, Wheat Products, and Chemical Fertilizer Drive Nepal-China Trade Growth

In FY 2025/26, Nepal’s imports from China climbed 25%, totaling Rs 65.17 billion, driven mainly by solar panels, wheat products, and chemical fertilizers. The surge highlights industrial recovery and the country’s push toward renewable energy, though it also increases Nepal’s trade deficit risk due to heavy reliance on Chinese imports.

NRB Data: Nepal’s Imports from China Reach Rs 65.2 Billion in Two Months, Up 25%

In the first two months of FY 2025/26, Nepal’s imports from China climbed 25 percent, totaling Rs 65.2 billion. Growth was led by telecom equipment, fertilizers, solar panels, and PVC compounds, showing rising industrial and technology demand. While the expansion reflects economic momentum, it also deepens Nepal’s import dependency and trade-deficit concerns.

Nepal’s Imports from China Surge 25.1% in FY 2025/26 – Electronics and Machinery Lead Growth

Nepal’s imports from China climbed 25.1% in the first two months of FY 2025/26, reaching Rs. 65.17 billion, led by telecom equipment, fertilizers, machinery, and solar panels. This surge cements China’s role as Nepal’s second-largest trade partner and reflects rising industrial and technological demand.

Nepal Sees Import Boost in Vehicles (+33%) and Rice/Paddy (+68%) from India in 2025/26

In FY 2025/26, Nepal’s imports from India rose 8% to Rs. 173.54 billion, driven by strong growth in vehicle imports (+33%) and rice/paddy imports (+68%). The rise indicates revived consumer demand and agricultural dependency but also reinforces concerns about Nepal’s widening trade deficit with India.

Nepal’s Foreign Employment Rises 17.9% in FY 2025/26 – Over 90,000 Workers Leave in Two Months

Related Blogs

NRB Report: Labour Migration to Saudi Arabia and Qatar Declines, Japan and Oman Surge

UAE Remains Top Job Destination for Nepali Workers with 37,381 Migrants in 2025/26