Nepal’s demographic dividend at risk

In the peaceful hills of Syangja District, Ward 2, Galang, Pabina Bhandari, 25, dreamed of one day teaching in her village. Following her +2 exam, she started working at a local private school and was making Rs 15,000 a month.

But the paltry salary was not enough to pull her family out of economic distress. She flew to Dubai on 14 October 2022 beginning as a waiter and cashier with a monthly salary of Rs 50,000. Today, she is a sales officer making upwards of Rs 100,000 a month. Pabina says. “Dubai is so much better, and I don’t have any regrets. In fact, I’m looking forward to jobs in Europe and I have begun applying.”