Over the course of one year, a total of 3,663 foreign nationals arrived in Nepal on working visas, as reported by the Department of Immigration (DoI). These individuals came to Nepal through formal channels in search of work during the fiscal year (FY) 2022/23.
Interestingly, while there is data available for foreign nationals arriving in Nepal for work, there is no specific information regarding the number of people who have come from neighboring India for work or business in the DoI records.
Comparing the influx of foreign workers in recent years, the FY 2022/23 saw a notable increase with 2,892 foreign workers arriving, compared to 3,331 arrivals in the previous FY 2020/21 and 2,892 arrivals in the FY 2021/22.
On the other hand, the same year (FY 2022/23) witnessed a record number of Nepali workers going abroad in search of employment. According to data from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), a staggering 771,327 Nepalis left the country for foreign employment. This figure includes both Nepalis leaving with new work permits and those renewing existing permits. It's worth noting that this figure surpassed the previous record set in FY 2014/15 when 693,032 Nepali nationals had left for employment abroad.
These statistics indicate the movement of people both to and from Nepal for employment opportunities, highlighting the significance of the country's role in the regional labor market.
