The number of people leaving the country for employment purpose jumped 35 percent in the first eight months of the current fiscal year. The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), which issues work permit for overseas job-aspirants, said 276,787 Nepalis flew to different countries for employment purpose in the eight-month period to mid-March, up from 204,887 recorded in the same period last year. 

This means, an average of 1,150 Nepalis left for various job markets abroad every day in the eight-month period.

During the review period, 245,894 Nepalis secured jobs in foreign countries through manpower agents, while 30,893 managed to get placement abroad though individual effort.

Data show key labor destinations--the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Malaysia--absorbed over 88 percent of Nepalis leaving the country for employment purpose.

Of these countries, Malaysia, the most popular destination for Nepali workers, received 101,526 Nepali workers during the review period, while Saudi Arabia, the largest host country for Nepali workers, attracted 54,762 Nepalis in the first eight months. 

Similarly, 34,402 workers left for the UAE and another 48,928 workers left for Qatar during the eight-month period. 

Although the government has opened 109 countries for Nepalis seeking placements abroad, most of the workers are still concentrated in Gulf countries and Malaysia in absence of job market diversification by manpower agents. 

In the eighth month of the fiscal year between mid-February to mid-March, Malaysia retained its position as the most favorite destination receiving 12,546 Nepalis followed by Qatar that absorbed 8,143 Nepali workers. 

Likewise, the UAE and Saudi Arabia received 5,678 and 6,756 Nepalis, respectively, during the month. 

In the one-month period, 39,101 workers, including 2,610 female, left for different overseas job destinations. The four major destinations received over 84 percent of the total outgoing labor force.

Published on: 24 March 2013 | Republica