Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: More than 52,000 Nepalis departed for foreign employment in the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March) even as the government suspended labor approvals for several Middle Eastern destinations due to escalating geopolitical tensions.
According to data released by the Department of Foreign Employment Nepal, a total of 52,944 Nepali workers obtained labor permits, including re-entry permits, during the month of Falgun.
The statistics show that 46,452 men and 6,392 women secured labor approvals during the period. Among them, 28,383 workers received first-time labor permits, while 24,561 individuals obtained re-entry labor approvals to return to their overseas jobs.
Labor Migration Continues Despite War-Driven Restrictions
The outflow comes at a time when the Government of Nepal has suspended labor approvals for several Middle Eastern countries following the outbreak of conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
The war, which began roughly 17 days ago, has intensified security concerns across the Gulf region after Iran reportedly launched missile and drone strikes targeting US military bases in several countries.
As a precaution, the government has temporarily halted labor approvals for 12 destinations, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Israel.
The suspension decision was made on March 1, 2026 (Falgun 17, 2082 BS) through a ministerial decision of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security Nepal.
Malaysia Remains Top Destination
Despite the restrictions, many workers had already secured labor approvals earlier in the month, particularly during the first two weeks, which explains the relatively high outflow recorded in the official statistics.
Country-wise data shows that Malaysia remained the top destination, receiving 12,601 Nepali workers in Falgun. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates with 11,492 workers, Qatar with 6,775, and Saudi Arabia with 6,225 workers.
The continuing migration highlights Nepal’s heavy dependence on overseas employment, particularly in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, where millions of Nepali workers are employed in construction, service, and industrial sectors.
Labor Migration Remains High
Recent monthly figures also show sustained labor migration trends despite global economic uncertainties and regional conflicts.
In Magh, a total of 70,503 Nepalis obtained labor approvals for foreign employment. Earlier, 62,559 workers left in Poush, while 65,705 workers departed in Mangsir, according to official data from the Department of Foreign Employment.
Officials say the government is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate, raising concerns about the safety of thousands of Nepali migrant workers currently employed in Gulf countries.
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