Nepal Reopens Middle East Work Permit Gates amid Economic Pressure

Nepal has resumed issuing permits for its nationals to work in the Middle East following a six-week suspension due to regional conflict. This move comes as high demand from workers and foreign ministry advice prompted the change, confirmed Pitambar Ghimire, a spokesperson from the labour ministry.

Prior to March 1, when the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran led to the suspension, a significant portion of Nepal's workforce was engaged in Middle Eastern countries, with remittances playing a crucial role in the $42-billion economy. An estimated 75% of Nepalese abroad work in the region, primarily as construction laborers, providing much-needed inflows to the cash-strapped nation.

Nepal struggles with a 20.6% youth unemployment rate, the highest in South and Southeast Asia, according to the World Bank. Approximately 3 million Nepalis work overseas, driven by limited job opportunities at home, with around 1,500 young people leaving the country daily for foreign employment.

(With inputs from agencies.)