“Provide jobs before telling people not to go abroad”
Summary
The number of Nepali women seeking foreign employment has risen significantly, driven by domestic labor burdens, low wages, and lack of decent local jobs. Women face risks abroad amid bans and social challenges but gain financial and social empowerment through overseas work.
Key Points
- The share of Nepali women in foreign labor permits increased from 6.87% in 2020/21 to 11.25% in 2024/25.
- Domestic workload, low wages, and lack of decent local jobs compel many women to seek employment abroad.
- Women’s foreign employment has expanded beyond domestic work to institutional jobs in various countries, boosting their economic and social empowerment.
- The government’s ban on women going abroad for domestic work increases risks for women who leave via informal channels, excluding them from legal protections.
