Nepal foreign worker outflow falls 5.6% to 792,187 in FY 2026/27

A total of 792,187 Nepali workers obtained work permits for overseas employment in the fiscal year 2026/27, marking a 5.6% decline (47,079 fewer) compared with the previous year’s 839,266. Of those, 697,091 were men and 95,091 women.

The United Arab Emirates remained the top destination with 183,580 migrants, followed by Malaysia (132,646), Qatar (132,051) and Saudi Arabia (124,583). Smaller numbers went to Romania (33,920). Regionally within Nepal, Jhapa district sent the most workers (16,286), with Dhanusha (15,698), Morang (15,336), Dang (11,011), Mahottari (11,899), Sarlahi (12,183) and Saptari (10,264) also contributing significantly.