Kathmandu, December 25:

Qatar has lately turned out to be a mach-favoured destination for Nepali migrant workers, as this Gulf State received the largest number of Nepali labourers last month.

According to Department of Labour and Employment Promotion’s (DoLEP) figures, a total of 8,184 Nepali migrant workers opted Qatar in search of green pastures from mid-November to mid-December.

The government officials attribute it to Qatar’s relatively flexible labour policies and better working conditions among the other Gulf states.

Moreover, Nepal and Qatar are mulling to implement bilateral labour accord with additional protocol.

Another Gulf state-United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged second most favoured destination.

UAE hosted a total of 4,484 Nepali labourers within the month.

Malaysia, which has been the top destination for last couple of years, however, has degraded to the third place. According to DoLEP, a total of 3,363 Nepalis left for Malaysia in Mangsir alone. Saudi Arabia comes to the fourth position as it provided jobs for only 3,100 workers.

Of the total 20,900 Nepalis who left for foreign employment during Mangsir, only 16 are women. Those women migrant workers have got jobs in Hong Kong, Qatar and the UAE, whereas male workers have gone to 13 different countries. Two of the total have got jobs in New Zealand also.

Although government had opened 107 countries for foreign employment, a major chunk of workers still prefer Gulf countries and Malaysia. Lack of job opportunities and deteriorating industrial environment back home are the main factors that have compelled them to go abroad.