The trend of Nepalis seeking employment abroad continued strongly in Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May), with 74,429 individuals receiving labour permits during the month, according to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE).
Among them, 65,010 were men and 9,419 were women, reflecting a continued increase in female participation in foreign employment alongside male workers.
Data from the DoFE shows that a total of 661,769 Nepalis obtained labour permits during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year 2025/26 (mid-July to mid-May). The figure includes 582,946 men and 88,823 women.
Officials say the rising number of migrant workers highlights the persistent lack of sufficient employment opportunities within Nepal and the continued attraction of higher-paying jobs abroad.
Malaysia Emerges as Top Destination
Although the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had remained the leading destination for Nepali workers for most of the fiscal year, Malaysia became the top destination during the review month.
In Baisakh, 17,252 Nepali workers traveled to Malaysia, while 17,108 went to the UAE. Similarly, 10,667 workers went to Qatar, 8,664 to Saudi Arabia, and 3,279 to Kuwait.
Monthly Labour Migration Trend Fluctuates
According to DoFE data, the number of labour permits issued fluctuated throughout the fiscal year. Permit issuance reached 68,110 in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) before falling to a low of 52,944 in Falgun (mid-February to mid-March). The number then rose again in Baisakh.
Officials attributed the fluctuations to instability in international labour markets, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and various domestic administrative and structural challenges.
Regional Disparities Remain Significant
The data also revealed major regional differences in labour migration trends. Dhanusha recorded the highest number of workers leaving for foreign employment, while Manang recorded the lowest.
Officials from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security stated that labour migration patterns are increasingly being shaped by global uncertainty, changing demand in destination countries, and procedural bottlenecks.
Despite short-term fluctuations, experts believe foreign employment will continue to remain a major livelihood strategy for many Nepali youths due to limited domestic job opportunities and wage disparities between Nepal and overseas labour markets.
