Gulf job opportunities are narrowing for Nepalis
Summary
Job opportunities for Nepalis in the Gulf have narrowed sharply as the Iran-Israel conflict and wider regional disruptions slow hiring, cut wages and leave many workers on unpaid leave. New labour approvals for Gulf jobs have fallen by more than half, raising pressure on Nepal’s labour market and remittance-dependent economy.
Key Points
- New labour approvals for Gulf jobs fell 52.12 percent between the start of the war and mid-September compared with a year earlier.
- Workers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar have seen steep drops in recruitment, while Oman has recorded an increase.
- Many Nepali workers are stuck on unpaid leave or have returned home without wages and gratuity as Gulf employers cut staff and delay hiring.
- Nepal has limited capacity to absorb returning workers, and officials are preparing a domestic employment programme to support them.
