As of Falgun 2081, the Government of Nepal has officially opened 111 countries for institutional foreign employment. However, reports indicate that Nepali workers continue to migrate unofficially to countries not formally approved by the government, often lured by brokers and false promises. This means the actual number of destination countries could be even higher.
According to the Economic Survey for Fiscal Year 2081/82 published by the Ministry of Finance, 1,670 manpower agencies have been licensed to send workers abroad. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains the top destination for Nepali workers, continuing its status from the previous fiscal year.
Key Data Highlights (Up to Falgun 2081):
- Total new labor approvals: 646,119
- Men: 93.3%
- Women: 6.7%
- Exact numbers: 275,743 men and 41,320 women received new labor approvals.
- Total labor approvals (including renewals): 534,471
- Men: 88.7%
- Women: 11.3%
- Under the EPS (Employment Permit System), 7,509 workers went to South Korea during this period, down from 10,855 in FY 2080/81.
Migrant Worker Welfare and Safety:
- Deaths: 974 Nepali migrant workers (922 men, 52 women) died abroad by Falgun 2081.
- Their families received NPR 656.76 million in compensation.
- Injuries or illnesses abroad: 336 cases reported (317 men, 19 women).
- Affected workers received NPR 147.49 million in support.
Safe Migration Efforts:
A Safe Migration Program (SaMi) is being implemented through collaboration between federal, provincial, and local governments. In its fourth phase, the program now operates in 267 local levels across 68 districts.
- As of Falgun 2081, the program has delivered foreign employment-related services to 454,231 individuals.
This data highlights both the scale and challenges of Nepal’s foreign employment sector, underscoring the need for safer migration pathways and stronger regulation against illegal recruitment.
