KATHMANDU, Sept 22: A growing number of skilled workers are found being attracted to foreign jobs, with around 57 percent of those who took labour permits last month falling under this category.
The records with the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) show that a total of 60,042 individuals obtained labor permits in the one month period between mid-August and mid-September this year. Out of them, 34,167 were skilled workers.
Among others, labor permits were issued to 16,058 unskilled workers, 9,466 semi-skilled workers, 271 professionals and 80 highly skilled workers.
The DoFE data also shows that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is turning into a top lucrative destination for the outbound workers. In the review month, 18,477 individuals (31 percent of total) took permits to work in the UAE. This included 15,542 men and 2,935 women. More than half of the permit issuances for the UAE were made through manpower companies.
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Qatar stands second in terms of the number of outbound workers. A total of 10,471 Nepalis took labour permits for this Middle East country last month.
Likewise, 8,091 workers sought jobs in Malaysia, 6,787 in Saudi Arabia and 3,898 took approval for employment in Kuwait. Similarly, 1,793 individuals took permits for Romania, 1,130 for Japan, 1,095 for Oman, 903 for South Korea and 877 for Turkey.
According to the sector’s experts, workers are attracted towards the UAE the most as they do not have to settle income tax in the country. In addition, the increased numbers of multinational companies and high-level investors in the UAE have also attracted workers despite some threat of the ongoing war between the USA and Iran.
The significant number of workers going to the Middle East countries shows that the individuals have been encouraged by the good payments despite the threat of the ongoing USA-Iran war. In the review month, 40,728 individuals, which is 68 percent of the total number, took permits to work in the Gulf countries.
Province-wise, Madhesh and Koshi led in terms of the outbound workers. Dhanusha district recorded 3,016 individuals, the largest from Madhesh Province. Likewise, Jhapa district of Koshi Province led with headcounts of 2,716.
Region-wise, Himalayan region has very low participation in securing labour permits for foreign employment. Thirteen from Manang, 23 from Mustang and 37 from Humla received approvals.
In the first two months of the current fiscal year (FY 2026/27), a total of 130,483 outbound workers obtained labor permits from the DoFE. Compared to 70,441 individuals in the first month, the number declined in the second month. However, the significant number of Nepalis going abroad for work shows large dependency on foreign employment due to lack of employment opportunities inside the country.
