# Nepal outward migration and education trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nepal-outward-migration-and-education-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-12T11:34:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Nepal is experiencing significant trends in outward migration involving both labor and education. 

In the fiscal year 2026/27, the number of Nepali workers obtaining permits for overseas employment fell by 5.6% to 792,187. The United Arab Emirates was the primary destination for these workers, followed by Malaysia, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. 

Concurrently, there has been a massive surge in student migration. Between fiscal years 2020/21 and 2025/26, approximately 548,717 Nepalis obtained No Objection Certificates to study in 83 different countries. This movement has resulted in a capital outflow of nearly Rs 556.68 billion. While Australia was previously a major destination, Japan has overtaken it as the most popular country for Nepali students. Other significant destinations include the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Republic of Korea.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Nepal sees massive student outflow with Rs 556 billion spent abroad

Nearly 550,000 Nepalis obtained study permits for abroad between 2020 and 2026, resulting in a capital outflow of over Rs 556 billion. Japan has emerged as the top destination, surpassing Australia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-sees-massive-student-outflow-with-rs-556-billion-spent-abroad

### 2026-07-19: Nepal foreign worker outflow falls 5.6% to 792,187 in FY 2026/27

792,187 Nepali workers went abroad in FY 2026/27, a 5.6% drop from the previous year, with the UAE, Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia among the top destinations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-foreign-worker-outflow-falls-56-to-792187-in-fy-202627

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Cite as: Nepal outward migration and education trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nepal-outward-migration-and-education-trends