Nepal’s labour market caught between jobless workers and worker shortages
Summary
Nepal’s labour market is facing a mismatch between jobless workers and employers struggling to find skilled labour. Returning migrants say their skills are not recognised at home, while officials and industry leaders call for better coordination, skill mapping and fairer wages.
Key Points
- Returning migrant workers from Gulf and Asian countries say they cannot find suitable jobs in Nepal despite having skills and certificates.
- Contractors and employers say there is a severe shortage of skilled and semi-skilled workers, especially in construction, hotels and manufacturing.
- The government’s employment centres and Shram Sansar platform have registered many jobseekers, but only a small number have found placements.
- Officials and labour experts say weak coordination, poor skill recognition and low wages are driving the mismatch in Nepal’s labour market.
