Kathmandu, March 20:

Nepali labour demand has seen a marginal decline between mid-February and mid-March.

Data from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) reveals that a total of 13,743 Nepalis left for nearly four dozens countries between mid-February and mid-March, 296 less than the number the previous month. Around 14,039 people left for foreign employment between mid-January and mid-February.

However, a there was a dramatic increase in demands for female workers last month. The number of female workers going abroad increased to 268. It is a six-fold increase in comparison to a month earlier. Only 42 female workers had left for jobs abroad between mid-Jan and mid-Feb. Israel alone has hired 238 Nepalis women as care-givers. The demand for Nepali women is also high in the Gulf countries. But the government is reluctant to send them to the Gulf nations due to insecurity. “The Ministry of Labour and Transport Management (MoLTM) is planning to advise women workers,” said Moshan Krishna Sapkota, director general of DoFE. He added the ministry was seeking more secure nations for women workers.

According to the data, both individuals’ and agencies’ demands decreased in Fagun. “It is due to the global economic recession,” said Sapkota. He clarified there was little impact of recession than previously assumed. “It shows we can manage if we adopt good strategies,” he said adding the government must activate diplomatic missions in destination countries.

Nearly 9,758 Nepalis — 9304 male and 454 female — got prior permission last month. Likewise, 3,025 migrant workers left Nepal through individual contacts. Qatar ranked first last month allowing in 5,177 Nepalis whereas Malaysia slipped from second position to fourth as a destination. Only 1,509 Nepalis migrant workers reached Malaysia last month.

A slight change in the pattern of Nepali migrant workers was seen in DoFE data. The number of Nepalis going to no-preferred destinations increased in Falgun. Around 40 Nepalis went to America, 11 to Macau and 14 to South Korea through individual contacts even though all these countries are hit hard by economic recession.

The movement

(mid-Feb to mid-March)

Qatar 5177

Saudi Arabia 4394

The UAE 1894

Malaysia 1509

Israel 353