Skilled Workers Drive Nepal's Labor Migration as Gulf Jobs Retain Appeal Despite Regional Tensions
Nepal's Department of Foreign Employment reports that 57% of labor permits issued in the past month went to skilled workers, with the UAE emerging as the top destination. Despite ongoing US-Iran tensions, Gulf countries continue to attract 68% of outbound workers, highlighting Nepal's persistent reliance on foreign employment.
KATHMANDU, Sept 22 — A growing share of Nepal's outbound workers are skilled professionals, with approximately 57 percent of labor permits issued last month going to this category, according to data from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE).
Between mid-August and mid-September, a total of 60,042 individuals obtained labor permits. Among them, 34,167 were skilled workers, while 16,058 were unskilled, 9,466 semi-skilled, 271 professionals, and 80 highly skilled.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as the most sought-after destination for Nepali workers. In the review month, 18,477 individuals — or 31 percent of the total — secured permits for the UAE, comprising 15,542 men and 2,935 women. More than half of these permits were processed through manpower companies.
Qatar ranked second with 10,471 Nepali workers obtaining permits, followed by:
- Malaysia: 8,091 workers
- Saudi Arabia: 6,787 workers
- Kuwait: 3,898 workers
- Romania: 1,793 workers
- Japan: 1,130 workers
- Oman: 1,095 workers
- South Korea: 903 workers
- Turkey: 877 workers
According to industry experts, the UAE's appeal stems largely from its zero income tax policy for workers, alongside a growing presence of multinational corporations and high-level investors. These factors have continued to draw Nepali workers despite geopolitical tensions in the region, including the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The data underscores the enduring attraction of Gulf employment: 40,728 individuals — 68 percent of all permit holders — opted for Gulf countries last month, motivated primarily by competitive wages.
Domestically, Madhesh and Koshi provinces led in outbound worker numbers. Dhanusha district recorded the highest count from Madhesh with 3,016 individuals, while Jhapa district in Koshi topped its province with 2,716.
By contrast, the Himalayan region showed minimal participation. Only 13 individuals from Manang, 23 from Mustang, and 37 from Humla received labor permits.
In the first two months of the current fiscal year (FY 2026/27), a total of 130,483 workers obtained permits from DoFE. While the first month saw 70,441 permits issued, the second month recorded a decline. Nevertheless, the sustained high volume of Nepalis seeking foreign employment reflects the country's ongoing dependence on overseas jobs amid limited domestic employment opportunities.