More than 130,000 Nepalis receive foreign employment approval in first two months of FY 2083/84 BS

Kathmandu, September 20, 2026 — A total of 130,483 Nepalis received final labor approval for foreign employment in the first two months of the current fiscal year 2083/84 BS, according to the Department of Foreign Employment.

Of the total, 70,441 people received labor approval in Shrawan (July/August), while 60,042 received approval in Bhadra (August/September), showing a decline in the number of workers leaving for foreign employment in Bhadra compared with the previous month.

In Bhadra (August/September), 51,843 men and 8,199 women received final labor approval. Of them, 35,627 received new final labor approval for the first time, while 24,415 received re-approval after returning from leave.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remained the leading destination for Nepali workers in Bhadra (August/September), with 18,477 people receiving labor approval. The figure included 15,542 men and 2,935 women.

Similarly, 10,471 people received labor approval for Qatar, 8,091 for Malaysia, 6,787 for Saudi Arabia and 3,898 for Kuwait.

Among European and other destinations, 1,793 people received labor approval for Romania, 1,130 for Japan and 1,095 for Oman. A total of 903 people received labor approval for South Korea, including 789 through the government process.

District-wise data shows that the number of people going abroad for employment was higher from districts in Madhesh and Koshi provinces.

Dhanusha recorded the highest number, with 3,016 people receiving labor approval. This was followed by Jhapa with 2,716, Morang with 2,690, Siraha with 2,349, Mahottari with 2,281, Sunsari with 2,226 and Rupandehi with 2,010.

The number was comparatively low in the Himalayan districts. During the review period, 13 people from Manang, 23 from Mustang and 37 from Humla received labor approval for foreign employment.

Skilled workers accounted for more than half of those receiving labor approval in Bhadra (August/September). According to the department, 34,167 people, or 56.9 percent, were skilled workers.