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Migration is essentially a common phenomenon amongst the youth predominantly, and in Nepal, this is on the rise. Every day, almost 1700 Nepali people migrate in search of a better life abroad. But the picture is not so rosy.   

Data from the government’s Labour Migration Report show that at least 7,467 migrant workers have died abroad since 2008, with 750 of those deaths documented between 2018 and 2019. And these figures only cover the legal migrants.

Per the 2021 census data, almost 2.2m Nepalis live abroad. There is a need to understand the factors behind the migration and its impact on the economy of Nepal. Migration has a two-fold effect on the economy of a country; it either aids the country through its liquidity flow or it hampers the economy due to the lack of a skilled workforce. It is a complex process in which elements interact with each other in different situations. Learning about the causes of migration and its impact on the economic sector of the country gives us a concrete idea of the issue.

A safe option

Migration to foreign countries has become a trend over the past couple of years, especially after Covid-19. The Nepali economy is highly dependent on remittance and liquidity flows from abroad. In 2020, the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) approved labor migration to 110 countries. 

People migrate for so many reasons, such as better quality of life, education, job opportunities and better salaries. Amongst the 2.2 million Nepali migrants, 81.28 percent are male and 18.72 percent female. These statistics point toward the trend of male-dominated migration from Nepal. Almost seven percent of the Nepali population lives abroad. Recent years have also seen a surge in the number of Nepali students going abroad for education. Almost 400,000 No Objection Certificates were issued for this purpose, according to a United Nations Report on Migration, 2023. Most of these migrants are aged 25 to 35 years and mostly male. People migrate from Nepal to the top GCC countries and Malaysia. Also, the same report shows migration to countries such as Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, the Maldives, Malta, Poland, Romania, Turkey, and the UK is very high. 

Migration is so common in Nepal that one in every five families has a family member living abroad. This trend of migration has increased after the covid era, which essentially gave insight into the weakness of the Nepali economy and the lack of employment opportunities. For the Nepali people, the most common reason for migration is better salaries in other countries. Some of these people migrate to the Middle East where working conditions are inhospitable, yet the mirage of a good life is what keeps them moving.  

A special case

Nepal is said to have sent 620,000 workers in 2021 alone to the Middle East. People migrate to the region because of higher wages, which they remit to their families. These migrants are a reason for the economic stability of Nepal in times of economic crisis. These remittances have helped lift many families out of poverty. But migrant workers in the Middle East are highly susceptible to violence and cruelties. 

Recruitment agencies employ intermediaries to seek workers and they are often deceived and never fully aware of their working conditions in the Middle East, they are instead promised a better life there with other benefits. Upon arrival, the workers are made part of the Kafala system, which gives the employer complete ownership of their passports and their movements. The host country often requires the employer to pay recruitment fees, which these employers pass on to migrant workers. The workers are on terms of sponsorship, which lets the employer exploit them. This system allows employers to move things according to their wishes;  they can reduce the workers’ wages or even put them in inhumane working conditions, restricting movement and other freedoms. Cases of sexual violence against female workers have also come to light. 

Generally, the employers pay the workers less than the amount mentioned in the contracts and also do not care for the well-being of workers. This issue came to light in the run up to and during the FIFA World Cup 2022 held in Qatar. Many workers died because of terrible working conditions and a sizable proportion of them were from Nepal.

Gender-based violence 

More often than not, women and men face the same issue differently because of the concept of gender. Women are always vulnerable to gender-based violence and discrimination at the workspace. Most women workers from Nepal or other countries head to countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Lebanon for work. Studies show 1,174,154 women migrant workers are working in the Gulf and 46,764 women are only in Lebanon and about 28,000 undocumented female workers in Kuwait. 

Undocumented workers are often exploited more than documented ones as the employers are aware of the extent of their rights. Most of these women are illiterate, work in low-skilled jobs and often face sexual violence from employers. A UN report published in 2013 is a case in point: It states that about 29.3 percent of the workers in Saudi Arabia were physically abused and five percent sexually abused; 54.4 percent of the workers in Lebanon were physically abused and five percent sexually abused. While it is important to understand that these are only the filed cases or documented ones, many go unnoticed or ignored.

The paradox

While migrant workers face several issues at work, their families are being pulled out of poverty. In Nepal, one out of three houses is dependent on remittances. In the year 1999/2000, the GDP from remittance stood at 10 percent, while it stands at 23.3 percent currently. Remittance has improved the living standards of households and helped the economy in the long run. Remittance, which accounts for 54.6 percent of the nation's total foreign exchange over the past five years, is spent on education, health care and other lifestyle expenses. This investment has powered the national economy, at least in the short run. But most of the remittance is spent on daily necessities, leaving too little for investment in productive sectors. In the long run, this can result in a yawning trade deficit as the money gets spent on importing merchandise and not on boosting exports. 

Migration of male counterparts affects females in a different way as these women have to shoulder more responsibilities with scant recognition for their increased contributions. The cost of economic development comes as a trade-off between humanitarian concerns and better lifestyles of the people and the most important question is if people are ready to bear these costs.   

Conclusion

Migration in Nepal has had a drastic effect on its economy as well as the social lives of the people. Despite stories of abuse and cheating, thousands of people apply for work in the Middle East, for the sake of their families. Skilled human resources believe that they get paid better abroad than in their home country, and this motivates them to go abroad. Unskilled laborers are not paid well in developing and underdeveloped countries. They are paid better in developed nations. All these factors contribute to migration. 

What can governments do, especially in the interest of vulnerable workers? 

Governments need to coordinate with embassies abroad and make a list of viable and trustable recruitment agencies for the safety of migrants. As a result of constant lobbying, governments often do not intervene in the interest of migrant workers, thanks to the remittance that helps keep the economy afloat. 

Governments must also follow security protocols and safety mechanisms. The lack of awareness amongst the elderly population is also a reason behind migration. This needs to be addressed seriously. Migrants must be aware of their rights in the host country in order to avoid any violent attacks. A more active role of the government is essential to help the workers rather than seeing them as a source of investment.

She is Research Intern at Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on August 1 cautioning and asking the Nepali youths not to join mercenaries of any country in violation of existing treaties and agreements. Nepali citizens have been a part of several foreign defense forces since the colonial era. Shifting geostrategic dynamics, global rivalry, rise in global migration and conscription through different methods and routes are a matter of concern. As per media reports, it is estimated that youths have been recruited in the Russian forces and other defense forces and may also be part of non-state actors or armed groups that contradict national priorities and policies. The shift in warfare besides other support also has implications for defense enrollment that comes with lucrative offers. The youth’s desire to join foreign forces emanates mainly from the Nepali state’s failure to provide ample jobs to its growing young population. But what happens to the national security and credibility of a relatively small country like Nepal when its youths choose to become part of a group or another by violating international norms and values in a deeply divided world?

This question calls for serious thinking on the government’s part.   

The presence of Nepali youths in foreign armed forces not only serves as an employment opportunity but also contributes to the economic well-being of Nepal through remittances. Additionally, these individuals gain exposure, training and experience that can benefit Nepal's own security forces and contribute to the nation's overall development.
However, it's worth noting that there have been discussions and debates about the repercussions of large-scale recruitment of Nepali youths in foreign armed forces with the state’s agreement. Some argue that it leads to brain drain, depriving the country of skilled human resources, while others highlight the economic benefits and the opportunity for youths to gain valuable training and career prospects.

The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) has allowed Nepali citizens to work in 110 countries, but our youths have been working in almost 172 countries. Still, our political elites do not appear ill at ease. Perhaps this does not qualify as an issue requiring serious attention.     

Rising labor out-migration is a grave issue, but more worrisome is the trend of the youths becoming part of foreign defense forces and law enforcement in the absence of necessary bilateral diplomatic arrangements.

Per statistics, around five lakh youths in Nepal seek job opportunities every year and more than 1700 Nepali citizens travel for work every day. The state encourages the youths to go abroad for jobs, laying bare its incompetence. 

As per the national census 2021, approximately 3.5m migrant workers (14 percent of the national population) are working abroad. Of them, 2.2m are aged 25-35 years and 18.72 percent of them are female. International migration, emerging as a means of livelihood for the poor, has also become a source of foreign currency ($8.2bn) revenue, which makes up 30 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Top five remittance sources are Saudi Arabia (20.6 percent), Malaysia (20.5 percent), India (19.3 percent), Qatar (13.4 percent) and the US (8.3 percent). 

In the last 10 months of the fiscal 2022/23, the DoFE issued work permits to 660,255 Nepali citizens, of which 600,000 have already left the country. 

What’s more, UNESCO data show an increasing number of Nepali students leaving the country to study abroad. The number of foreign-bound students more than doubled from 44,225 in 2017 to 95,268 in 2022. 

A good number of Indian citizens have found jobs in Nepal and so have the Nepalis in India, due to bilateral arrangements, the open border, cultural factors and contemporary reality. Per the World Bank’s Bilateral Remittance Matrix of 2017, while the Nepalis working in India send home around Rs 102bn every year (this includes Rs 72.57bn from 35,000 serving and 180,000 Gurkha veterans), the Indians working in Nepal send home almost triple the amount—Rs 302 bn. For India, Nepal is one of the top 10 sources of remittance. 

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu estimates that 8m Nepali citizens are living and working in India and puts the number of Indian workers in Nepal at 600,000, whereas independent estimates suggest that 1 to 3m Nepalis are working in India. High mobility of workers across the border, cross-border marriages and a significant Indian population with family linkages in Nepal have made the picture unclear. There’s no denying the fact that migrations affect national stability and security.  

Youths in foreign forces 

The trends of warfare are evolving with technology and modern equipment, including nuclear, but human resources still play a crucial role.

Men aged 17 to 40 years from 140 nations can join the French Foreign Legion to safeguard French interests and secure French domains. Though the government of Nepal has no records nor settled accords, it is estimated that 300-350 Nepalis are serving as French Legionnaires on a singular premise. The US Army reportedly has more than 1000 Nepalis. 

The Tripartite treaty signed in 1947 concerns the rights of the Gurkhas recruited in military services of India and the United Kingdom. More than 4000 Gurkhas are serving the British Crown with a few hundred selected every year and 32,000 Nepali soldiers are serving in 40 Indian Gurkha battalions. Apart from providing jobs to individuals, these forces also help augment Nepal’s foreign currency reserves.

The path of fire

The ‘Agnipath Scheme’ meant to reduce India’s defense expenditure seems to have failed to impress the government of Nepal. The scheme has implications for job opportunities, the economy as well as the rights mentioned in the Tripartite Agreement, given that salary of the serving and pensions of the retired soldiers is an important source of Indian currency for Nepal’s economy, which relies overwhelmingly on imports from India. The scheme will permit only a quarter of the 46,000 soldiers between the age of 17-23 years to continue in service after four years and bid others adieu with a golden handshake of INR 1.7m.

Absence of diplomatic steps prior to the scheme’s announcement has created problems that India and Nepal would have been better off without. Three points should be noted in this context: The new entry scheme was not part of the tripartite agreement; it adds to the unemployment data after four years and that the trained returnees would be vulnerable to non-state actors. 

There are many more Nepalis serving in Singapore, Brunei, UAE and other destinations. 

The Gurkha Contingent or the Singapore Police Force, with roughly 2000 Gurkha personnel, has a role in maintaining law and order. Formed on the basis of a deal between Singapore and the British Government on 9 April 1949, which entrusts the British government with the recruitment, the contingent was mobilized to quell communal riots between the Chinese and Malays of Singapore. After the 9/11 attacks, these soldiers have also been providing security to the President and Prime Minister and guarding vital installations. 

The sultanate of Brunei is another nation that accommodates more than 500 Gurkha in the Brunei Reserve Unit or the Royal Brunei Gurkha Reserve Unit, a special elite guard force previously led by the British Commanders to protect the Royal family, the citizens and major oil installations. Known as the “Praetorian Guard”, it works as a special forces unit directly under the command of the Sultan as well as alongside the Special Forces Regiment and Special Combat Squadron of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. 

This article is Part I of the two-part series 

The author is a Strategic Analyst, Major General (Retd) of the Nepali Army, and is associated with Rangsit University, Thailand

My grandfather, 82 years but not old, is the wisest man I know. He is a lawyer and I remember going to court to see his advocacy, which would be so classy that I still get goose-bumps. He would come back home, study for a couple of hours daily, recite religious books and do yoga. He was the perfection that anybody could imagine. As he retired 10 years back from active practice, I gifted him a smartphone to kill the possible boredom. Was that a mistake? Did I make him a scroller from the scholar?

Nowadays, he is on his phone most of the time. He is not interested in study, religious books or yoga. When we insist, he would say, he did enough on his days, and continue with scrolling. On the other hand, I have a nephew, who is eight years old. We could not prevent exposing him to mobile from his early years. He wouldn’t feed or poop without rhymes. At two years old, he was already unlocking my phone, using a pattern, and would sing different English rhymes. “This guy is a genius”, I thought but I was just encouraging him to be a scroller. Nowadays, he spends almost 6 hours a day in front of the screen, which would double on weekends. He fights for mobile, skips his homeworks, throws tantrums on trivial issues, keeps busy to himself, and seldom talks with the relatives. It looks as if we even have to make an appointment to see him. 

Sometimes I wonder if it is only my grandfather and my nephew, but as I observe, it’s similar in me, my wife, my friends, relatives, and most of the people around me. Different games, social media, YouTube and especially short videos are stealing our time. Every time, we promise to scroll for a few minutes and realize after an hour or two. You may argue the academic need of scrolling but believe me, it’s beyond. We are gradually and unknowingly moving to be scrollers from scholars.

Would you be surprised, if I tell you, “This is an addiction, similar to that of addiction to alcohol or cigarette”? Do you believe that this is an illness? 

Yes! You should.

There is something called “Internet addiction” or “Gaming disorder” in standard textbooks and it is gaining a huge amount of attention nowadays. Internet addiction is increasing exponentially and approximately, with one in every 10 people already affected. The World Health Organization formally included Internet gaming disorder as a mental disorder from 2018. The brain mechanism behind the addiction to the internet and alcohol is similar. There is a huge surge of dopamine, which gives reward for the act and compels us to repeat the act.

Internet gaming disorder is often together with or may be caused by childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression or anxiety. Other risk factors are stress, dysfunctional families, loneliness, poor academic performance, being bullied, interpersonal problems, anxiety and depression.

Different forms of addiction

Cyber-relational

Excessive tendency to establish relationships with people met online, which quickly becomes over-involving and individuals neglect their relationships with friends and family members.

Info overload

Characterized by an increased search for information on the web, many of them unnecessary, like short entertainment videos in youtube and social media. 

Cybersexual 

There is frequent use of adult-videos and virtual sex sites and engage in adult-only chats. 

Gaming

Excessive involvement in games and online activities such as gambling, compulsive shopping, etc.

The internet provides many opportunities but there is a downside. Some people suffer from diminished control over their use, and there are many reports of people gaming or watching series for days without rest. Given the increased use of the internet in this era of social distancing and remote working, it is important to assess harm caused by online addictive behaviors. The outcomes of the disorder could be academic decline, interpersonal relationship problems, family conflict, sleep deprivation, physical health problems like neck stiffness, loneliness, suicidal tendencies, aggression, depression, social withdrawal, cybercrimes and future decline in workplace competitiveness. 

For objective assessment, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is applied by professionals. WHO recommends no screen time for children less than one year old, no more than an hour for 2-5 year-olds, with less time preferred, which can be doubled in weekdays under observation. It is similar for adolescents and adults, no more than an hour a day of screen time. Instead, involvement in social interaction and physical activity is encouraged.

On excessively using the internet, children and adolescents first become unable to prioritize or keep schedules, avoid work or procrastinate, then develop symptoms of depression or anxiety, and may even appear agitated when forced to stop by a caregiver. Therefore, internet and gaming-addicted children and adolescents urgently need an early and effective treatment and prevention program. But there is prevalence of parents’ unwillingness to accept internet addiction as a mental disorder, or parents’ misunderstanding that pharmacological treatment is harmful for gaming-addicted youth.

Treatment for internet addiction is comprehensive and multimodal. Psychosocial interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), reality therapy (RT), and multi-level counseling (MLC) programs, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), which are delivered via individual-session psychotherapy, family-based therapy or group-based supportive psychotherapy. The 20-20-20 rule (take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away is beneficial. Medical management is for the treatment of the co-occurring anxiety, depression or ADHD.

As a preventive strategy against this addiction, we should focus on raising awareness and training parents, teachers, and other supporters early on, for early intervention. The rule of thumb is to establish healthy internet use habits early in life, which can prevent children from becoming the victims of internet gaming disorder and scholars from scrollers.

The author is a resident doctor at Department of Psychiatry, Patan Academy of Health Sciences

As a member of the United Nations and the leader of the Non-Aligned Movement, Nepal continues to be a strong advocate for global peace and brotherhood among all nations. Nepal’s foreign policy is deeply rooted in fostering friendly relations, particularly with its neighboring countries, and the bond with India holds special significance.

The open border shared with India has been a vital aspect of the relationship between the two countries. This unique arrangement has facilitated cultural and religious connections, allowing people from both sides to traverse freely and strengthen the ties that bind them together. The harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures and traditions in the border regions has been a testament to the enduring friendship between Nepal and India.

In recent times, the speeches of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visits to countries like the USA and France have garnered considerable attention. In the USA, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s status as the ‘mother of democracy’, recognizing the USA’s role as a champion of advanced democracy. Such acknowledgment of each other’s democratic values fosters a deeper understanding and mutual respect between the two nations.

The strengthening partnership between India and the USA has extended beyond just diplomatic ties to include economic and cultural cooperation. The return of over 100 stolen antiquities to India by the US government represents not only the commitment to curbing illicit trade in cultural artifacts but also symbolizes the deepening cultural and financial partnerships between the two countries.

During his visit to France, Prime Minister Modi praised the significant contributions of business leaders from both India and France, further bolstering the relations between the two nations. This collaboration has extended to critical areas such as defense and climate change, wherein India and France have cooperated to address global challenges collectively.

While India’s economic growth and progress have been remarkable, there have been calls for a stronger focus on justice and the justice system under Modi’s leadership. As a leader, Modi must strive to bring together different sections of society and make them feel equally included in India’s democratic fabric. It is crucial to listen to and address the concerns of all citizens to truly establish India as the ‘mother of democracy’.

For India to achieve its economic vision of becoming one of the world’s top five economies, it must prioritize crucial issues such as food security, agriculture, economy, and industries. Engaging with opposition parties and formulating common minimum programs to address their concerns will ensure inclusivity and a more balanced approach to governance.

Furthermore, when formulating foreign policies, it is essential for the Modi government to consider the perspectives of not only the opposition but also his colleagues in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In doing so, India can present a united front in its international engagements, projecting a more robust image on the global stage.

While pursuing its growth as a global leader, India should not overlook the situation of its neighboring countries. The Modi government should extend assistance and support to these nations, helping them strengthen their living standards and fostering genuine friendships with them. This approach will not only enhance regional cooperation but also contribute to India's standing as a responsible and caring global leader.

One significant step in enhancing regional cooperation would be to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Modi can take the lead in encouraging all SAARC member-states to unite on various global issues, thereby presenting a cohesive and influential voice on the international stage.

Neglecting the development and prosperity of neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, will undermine India’s overall progress and prosperity. Therefore, India’s focus should encompass regional economic development, fostering peace, and promoting shared prosperity across the entire South Asian region.

In conclusion, Nepal remains committed to advocating for global peace and brotherhood, and India’s role as a neighboring friend is essential in achieving this vision. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership can be further strengthened by emphasizing justice, inclusivity, and cooperation with neighboring countries. By fostering regional cooperation and supporting the prosperity of neighboring nations, India can truly position itself as a global leader and a beacon of democracy in the world.

The author is a member of the Supreme Court Bar and has been practicing corporate law for around three decades