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

Published on October 26, 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to dominate as the largest destination for Nepali migrant workers, according to the latest Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) macroeconomic data. In the first two months of FY 2025/26, a total of 37,381 Nepalis received approval for employment in the UAE — accounting for over 41 percent of all new foreign employment permits issued during the period.

This represents a 40.2 percent increase compared to the same period in FY 2024/25, when 26,662 workers had gone to the UAE. The sustained surge reflects strong demand in the Gulf labor market, particularly in the construction, hospitality, logistics, and domestic service sectors. Nepali manpower agencies report that the UAE’s diversified economy and worker-friendly recruitment policies continue to attract both skilled and semi-skilled labor from Nepal.

The UAE is followed by Saudi Arabia (11,923 workers, 13.2%), Qatar (8,340, 9.2%), and Kuwait (4,926, 5.5%). Among non-Gulf destinations, Japan (3,779 workers, up 42%) and Cyprus (1,359 workers, up 14.8%) have shown remarkable growth, indicating expanding employment opportunities for Nepalis in Asia and Europe.

Meanwhile, total foreign employment approvals (new) reached 90,198 in the two-month period — a 17.9% increaseyear-on-year — while renewal entries climbed 13.1% to 45,884. This brings Nepal’s total outward migration (new + renewal) to over 1.36 lakh workers in just two months of FY 2025/26.

Analysts note that while labor migration continues to generate billions in remittance inflows, it also underscores Nepal’s dependence on foreign employment amid limited domestic job creation. Policymakers have emphasized the need for better worker protection, skill training, and reintegration programs to ensure long-term sustainability.

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.

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

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