More than, 630, 000 Nepalis immigrated abroad last year, which was more than the number during pre-pandemic. Nepalese going abroad to escape the ailing economy of their country are dissatisfied with income opportunities at home. They are a great source of remittance. Considering the benefits of foreign employment, the government of Nepal has made deals with nations to provide them with employees. However, this is depriving Nepal from developmental activities and making the national economy consumeristic in nature.

Although Nepal is still an agricultural country in consideration of the majority of Nepal’s residents involved in agricultural activities, the popularity of agriculture is decreasing among the youth. Agriculture is no more a lucrative occupation for the youth who seek to get paid lofty amounts in salary based jobs abroad. Many youths are leaving the agricultural occupation of their parents and grandparents, which is resulting in lesser production of agricultural products in Nepal. “ Our parents were involved in agriculture for livelihood, however we are no longer able to afford things at such low prices we are compelled to sell vegetables and fruits in the marketplace. By going abroad I am able to earn one lakh rupees a month, despite my low education,” says Purna Gurung, a migrant worker in the gulf.

As youths like Purna continue to go abroad, Nepal’s villages consist mainly of elderly people. “ Both my sons have worked in Saudi for five years, they occasionally visit home in Dashain, but don’t plan to return until they retire in their late forties,” says 76 year old Dhurva Rayamajhi, who lives with his wife in Tanahu. “ The government should provide good jobs for youths if not the hard labour of Nepali youth will build other nations instead of their own,” he adds.