The NEPSE Journal
Market commentary, data deep-dives, and trading notes from the NEPSE Trading desk.
Saudi Arabia’s demand for Nepali workers fell by 14.5% in 2025/26, while Japan (+50.6%) and Cyprus (+18.2%) showed strong growth — signaling a shift in Nepal’s migration map toward safer and diversified destinations.
Qatar and UAE remain the top recruiters of Nepali workers in 2025/26. While the UAE leads in new hires, Qatar dominates in renewals — making them the twin pillars of Nepal’s labor migration.
Romania’s demand for Nepali workers plunged 60% in 2025/26, reversing last year’s boom. The fall reflects poor labor conditions, market saturation, and stricter recruitment rules.
Nepali workers renewing contracts in Malaysia surged by 89% in 2025/26, reflecting stronger labor demand and Malaysia’s industrial recovery. Experts, however, stress the need for better worker protections.
In 2025/26, the UAE became the top destination for Nepali migrant workers, surpassing Saudi Arabia with 40% share of new approvals. The trend highlights shifting labor demand and opportunities in the Gulf region.
Nepal’s imports rose 11.4% in 2025/26, highlighting strong demand across food, energy, and consumer goods. But rising dependency risks deepening the trade deficit unless domestic industries are strengthened.
Nepal’s import declines in 2025/26 were led by electrical goods (-31.2%), garments (-18.3%), machinery (-14.7%), telecom (-8.3%), and petroleum (-5.6%). The trend reflects weaker demand, policy restrictions, and industrial slowdowns.
Nepal’s import growth in 2025/26 was led by soyabean oil (+707.9%), coal (+53.2%), vegetables (+48.4%), rice (+45.9%), and gold (+24.5%), underscoring demand shifts but also revealing dependency challenges.
Electrical goods imports in Nepal dropped by 31.2% in 2025/26, driven by weaker consumer demand, project completions, tighter liquidity, and policy restrictions. While easing trade deficit pressure, it raises concerns over economic slowdown.
Nepal’s medical equipment imports rose by 9% in 2025/26, reflecting rising demand from hospitals and clinics. But experts warn that dependence on imports could hurt affordability and long-term healthcare sustainability.