Political instability sending Nepali youths abroad

Although Nepali men have had a long history of going abroad for work, with mass employment in British and Indian Armies, Nepal is developing itself into a remittance-dependent economy. As more than, 630, 000 Nepalese immigrated abroad last year, which was more than the number during pre-pandemic.

Nepalese going abroad to escape the ailing economy of their country is a great source of remittance. Youths working abroad, channel a huge source of income for the government in the form of tax. Considering the benefits of foreign employment, the Nepal government has made deals with nations to provide them with employees.

Many people consider political instability and lack of good leadership in Nepal as the major reason to immigrate for a safer future for themselves and their families. Nepalese currently living and working abroad are overwhelmingly youths which clearly portrays the dissatisfaction among the younger generation of Nepalis towards the situation of the nation. Youth activist Suyog Dhakal who believes youths should be involved in politics to change the current situation of the country themselves, says “ Politics for me is a thirst, and we must give that quest to forthcoming generations. If not, every child born in Nepal will only dream to finish high school and apply for a passport to fly abroad.”

With rapid modernization and democratization of technology, common people’s ability to see and interact with the wider world has reduced geographical barriers. Awareness of a better lifestyle and materialistic assets elsewhere has prompted people from rural parts of Nepal to leave the pursuit of better lives in the rich lands of Arabia and South East Asia.

35-year-old Ram Krishna Panta, who has recently returned to his village in Tanahun district after long years of work in different gulf countries, says “ I have been able to build a concrete home for my wife and children with the money I have brought back from working in different gulf countries, this wouldn't have been possible if I had searched for jobs in Nepal, where there is no guarantee of steady income. And I plan to go back again soon.”

People immigrating abroad from rural areas of Nepal abandon the agricultural occupation of their parents and grandparents, which is resulting in the lesser production of agricultural products in Nepal. Agriculture is no longer a satisfying and fulfilling profession for most Nepali youths, who are distressed by the maximum effort it takes and the low income it produces. 36-year-old Purna Gurung, who has recently returned from the Gulf to meet his family and plans to go abroad again says, “ 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.”