Beyond Borders: Rethinking Nepal's skilled future thru labor migration
Summary
Nepal issued over 839,000 work permits last year, with most migrants heading to the Gulf, Malaysia, and parts of Europe and East Asia. The remittances they send support many households and the national economy but highlight issues like unplanned migration, skill shortages at home, and worker vulnerabilities abroad.
Key Points
- Nepal issued more than 839,000 work permits in the past year, mainly to young men migrating to Gulf States, Malaysia, Europe, and East Asia.
- Despite large migration flows, Nepal faces domestic shortages in skilled trades such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work.
- Many Nepali workers skip vocational training and skills certification since some receiving countries do not require them, reducing their earning potential and increasing exploitation risk.
- To transform migration into a sustainable development platform, Nepal needs better skill certification, expanded vocational training, stricter recruitment regulation, and alignment of training with international labor market needs.
