Nepal reopens access to Gulf jobs as economic pressures persist

Nepal has resumed issuing work permits for its citizens seeking employment in the Middle East, an official said on Tuesday, April 21, ending a six-week suspension imposed due to regional conflict.

The suspension was introduced on March 1, one day after the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, amid concerns over the safety of Nepali workers in Gulf countries. Under Nepal’s regulations, citizens must obtain a government-issued permit before taking up employment abroad, making the halt a significant disruption to labour migration.

Pitambar Ghimire, a spokesperson for the labour ministry, said the decision to resume issuing permits “follows advice from the foreign ministry and high demand from workers,” he told Reuters.

Labour migration remains a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy. Around 75% of Nepali workers abroad are employed in Middle Eastern countries, mainly in low-skilled jobs such as construction. Experts estimate that remittances account for more than a quarter of the country’s $42 billion economy, highlighting its reliance on overseas income.

Economic conditions at home continue to push workers abroad. Youth unemployment stands at 20.6% among Nepal’s population of 30 million, the highest rate in South and Southeast Asia, according to World Bank data.

Industry officials estimate that at least 3 million Nepali nationals are currently working overseas. Labour unions say approximately 1,500 young people leave the country each day in search of foreign employment, reflecting limited job opportunities domestically.

By Tamilla Hasanova