The Gulf Keeps Hiring Nepal’s Future

The latest labour permit figures present an unsettling picture for the nation. Between mid-August and mid-September, 60,042 people were granted work permits for employment abroad. Of these, 34,167, or roughly 57 percent, were classified as skilled workers. These are individuals whose skills Nepal needs at home, yet foreign employers may offer them a more accessible path to earning a livelihood. The Gulf nations continue to be the primary destination for Nepali workers across all skill levels. For instance, 18,477 permits were issued for the UAE. Qatar ranked second, with 10,471 permits issued. The total number of permits issued for the Gulf region reached 40,728, accounting for about 68 percent of the monthly total. It has also been found that large numbers of people are still planning to leave, even though the ongoing crisis between the US and Iran has disrupted travel and business activities, raising concerns about their safety. Many workers weigh their debts, potential earnings, and the lack of opportunities at home before deciding to migrate to these destinations. This reality reflects both Nepal's economic challenges and the enduring appeal of the Gulf. Prime Minister Balendra Shah's administration and the Rastriya Swatantra Party have pledged to reduce the pressure on young people to seek opportunities abroad. The permit data show how far that promise remains from everyday reality. Nonetheless, the government should study these figures carefully. Although skilled workers accounted for a significant share of labour permits last month, the total number of permits declined from 70,441 in the previous month. A long-term trend cannot be established from a single month's data. What the figures do show, however, is that foreign employment remains an option on a massive scale: 130,483 permits were issued during the first two months of the current fiscal year.