Over 200,000 Nepalese Migrated Abroad in Six Months, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar Remain Top Destinations
Author
Dipesh Ghimire
In the first six months of the fiscal year 2024/25, more than 204,053 Nepalese workers have migrated abroad for employment. According to data from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the majority of these workers have gone to Gulf countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, which continue to be the top choices for Nepalese job seekers.
UAE Remains the Top Destination with Over 86,000 Nepalese Workers
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the most popular destination for Nepalese workers, with 86,270individuals migrating there in the past six months. The UAE remains a major hub for employment in sectors such as construction, hospitality, security, and domestic work.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar Follow as the Second and Third Most Popular Destinations
Saudi Arabia ranked second, with 39,222 Nepalese workers traveling there, while Qatar came in third, receiving 24,683 Nepalese job seekers. Both countries offer opportunities primarily in construction, security services, hospitality, and domestic work.
Kuwait, Romania, and Japan Emerging as New Employment Hubs
Nepalese migration to Kuwait remains significant, with 19,448 workers moving there. Meanwhile, Romania has gained popularity as a European employment destination, welcoming 11,613 Nepalese workers.
Similarly, Japan continues to attract Nepalese workers, with 8,456 individuals securing employment in the country. Many Nepalese are entering Japan through its Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, which provide job opportunities in agriculture, hospitality, and technical sectors.
South Korea, Maldives, Cyprus, and Other Key Destinations
South Korea received 5,748 Nepalese workers under its Employment Permit System (EPS), which allows Nepalese to work in factories, agriculture, and fisheries.
Other destinations that saw a considerable number of Nepalese workers include:
Maldives – 4,240
Cyprus – 2,970
Bahrain – 3,141
Oman – 2,035
Jordan – 1,139
Malta – 1,146
Smaller Yet Notable Nepalese Migration to Various Countries
While the majority of Nepalese migrated to the Gulf and Asian countries, smaller numbers also sought opportunities in:
Turkey – 684
Malaysia – 505
Poland – 149
Israel – 21
Afghanistan – 7
Lebanon – 9
Additionally, 18,953 Nepalese migrated to other various destinations worldwide.
Government Policies and Challenges
The Nepalese government has been actively working on labor agreements, minimum wage guarantees, and worker safety policies to ensure secure migration. However, illegal migration, fraud by recruitment agencies, exploitation, and reintegration of returning workers remain key challenges.
With over 200,000 Nepalese migrating in just six months, Gulf countries continue to dominate employment opportunities, while Japan, South Korea, and European destinations are emerging as attractive alternatives.
