KATHMANDU, May 21: The trend of Nepalis seeking employment abroad continued unabated in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May), with 74,429 individuals obtaining labour permits, according to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE).
Of the total, 65,010 were men and 9,419 were women, indicating a continued rise in female participation in foreign employment alongside men.
Data from the DoFE shows that a total of 661,769 Nepalis have obtained labour permits in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year 2025/26 (mid-July to mid-May), including 582,946 men and 88,823 women.
Officials say the figures reflect the persistent lack of adequate job opportunities within the country and the growing attraction of higher-paying foreign employment.
Malaysia emerges as top destination
While the United Arab Emirates had remained the leading destination for Nepali workers for most of the fiscal year, Malaysia emerged as the top destination during last month.
Nepal Labour Migration Report 2022 launched
During the review month, 17,252 Nepali workers went to Malaysia, followed closely by 17,108 to the UAE. Qatar received 10,667 workers, Saudi Arabia 8,664, and Kuwait 3,279.
The monthly trend shows fluctuations
The DOFE's data shows monthly labour permit issuance fluctuated throughout the fiscal year — from 68,110 in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) to a low of 52,944 in Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), before rising again in Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May).
Officials attributed the decline in some months to international labour market instability, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, as well as domestic administrative and structural factors.
District-wise disparity
The data also show significant regional variation, with Dhanusha recording the highest number of outbound workers and Manang the lowest.
Officials from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security said labour migration patterns are also being influenced by global uncertainties, shifting demand in destination countries, and procedural bottlenecks.
Despite short-term fluctuations, experts note that overseas employment remains a dominant livelihood strategy for a large section of Nepali youth, driven by limited domestic opportunities and wage disparities abroad.
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