The number of outbound Nepali workers increased 17.40 percent during the first 10 months (mid-July to mid-May) with a rise in demand from major labour destinations. Qatar, Malaysia, Saudi Arab and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) absorbed more migrant labour from Nepal compared to the same period last year.

According to the Department of Foreign Employment, 269,540 Nepali workers including 7,087 women workers went abroad during the review period, up from 229,582 during the same period previously. Out of the total departures, 198,041 left through Nepali outsourcing agencies while 71,499 left through their personal contacts. 

The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies said that the growth was normal because during the same period last year many major labour destinations were just recovering from the global recession. “We were expecting an increase of 25-30 percent with improved demand from major destinations like Qatar and Malaysia,” said Kumud Khanal, general secretary of the association.

Qatar increased hiring to 74,282 persons from 47,675 during the first 10 months last year with infrastructure development works for the 2022 Soccer World Cup picking up.

Khanal said that they were being asked daily for a huge number of workers particularly from Qatar, however, a shortage of passports had made it difficult to fulfil demand. “Barely 300-400 passports are issued daily to potential migrant workers while the requirement stands at more than 1,000 passports,” he added.

During the review period, Malaysia, the largest labour market for Nepali workers, took in 87,829 persons with increased economic activities after the global financial crisis last year. It had offered employment to 82,927 individuals last year. Likewise, Saudi Arabia and the UAE absorbed 52,626 and 33,145 workers respectively against 50,085 and 28,356 in the same period last year.

A monthly breakdown shows that departures declined to 29,271 during the period mid-April to mid-May from 29,606 during the previous one-month period. Qatar took in 8,917 individuals to become the largest employer during the period. Malaysia and Saudi Arabia took in 7,459 and 5,720 workers respectively. Similarly, the UAE hired 4,036 workers from Nepal.

Published on: 24 May 2011 | The Kathmandu Post