In the first eight months (Shrawan–Falgun) of the current fiscal year 2081/82, nearly 550,000 youths have left the country in search of jobs.
According to the Department of Foreign Employment, only in the month of Fagun, 68,963 youths received labor approval. With this, the total number of youths who have left the country this year has reached 534,471.
This figure is over 63,000 more compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year 2080/81. In the first eight months of last year, 471,000 youths had obtained labor approval. This number includes both new and renewed labor approvals.
Currently, an average of 66,808 Nepalese youths are leaving the country every month in search of jobs. The daily average stands at 2,227.
UAE as the Primary Destination
This year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been the top destination for Nepalese workers. According to the department, in Fagun alone, 25,117 individuals obtained labor approval for the UAE. In the past eight months, a total of 173,250 people have received labor approval for employment in the UAE.
Among the total youths who have migrated this year, 32.41% have gone to the UAE. Following the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Malaysia are the major destinations.
However, employment migration to Malaysia has significantly declined this year. While Malaysia was a top destination last year, it has dropped to the fifth position this year. In Fagun, only 3,715 individuals received labor approval for Malaysia.
Additionally, 1,966 individuals obtained labor approval for Japan, while 1,883 received approval for South Korea. Croatia, Romania, Oman, and Bahrain are also among the countries where a significant number of Nepalese migrate for work.
No Decline in Unskilled Worker Migration
Data shows that the migration of unskilled workers from Nepal has not decreased this year either. In Fagun alone, 20,824 unskilled workers left the country. In Magh, this number was 22,374.
Similarly, in Poush, 20,566 unskilled workers obtained labor approval. In Mangsir, the number was 21,716, while in Kartik, it stood at 15,971.
How Many Migrated Each Month?
This year, 59,575 individuals migrated in Shrawan. In Bhadra, the number was 57,493; in Asoj, 53,525; in Kartik, 70,990; in Mangsir, 84,226; and in Poush, 67,258.
Similarly, in Magh, 72,441 individuals received labor approval. Data suggests that Nepalese tend to migrate in higher numbers right after festivals.