KATHMANDU, JUNE 17
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal released a book on Tuesday featuring fifty success stories of Nepali migrant workers who returned home after working in South Korea.
Titled Tapai Pani Malik Banna Saknuhuncha, the book was jointly launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young. Authored by Shiva Prasad Pokharel, the book is written in Nepali and highlights the achievements of former Employment Permit System (EPS) workers who have successfully reintegrated into Nepali society.
The book documents stories of returnees across multiple sectors-20 in manufacturing, 16 in agriculture, 9 in services, and 5 in education.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Paudel appreciated the Korean Embassy's effort in documenting these stories. "Such move helps further strengthening Nepal-Korea relationship," Paudel said.
Ambassador Park Tae-Young said that the book tells the inspiring stories of returnee migrant workers. "This edition features 50 inspiring stories-almost double the number from last year's 26.Those returnee migrant workers have become drivers of progress in Nepal through their hard work, determination, and dreams," he said.
According to him, this book is not merely a compilation of individual experience; it is a living record of the transformative power of bilateral employment cooperation between Korea and Nepal under the Employment Permit System (EPS).
"Each individual featured in this book began their journey with courage-leaving home to work in Korea, where they gained not only income but skills, discipline, and a vision for their future. Upon returning to Nepal, they invested what they had earned-both financially and experientially-into creating businesses, generating local jobs, and contributing to their communities. They are now part of a virtuous cycle of migration, reintegration, and national development," the ambassador added.
He also stated that the stories serve as proof of how temporary labor migration, when well-managed, can lead to sustainable benefits.
Over the last two decades, Korea and Nepal have cooperated closely under the EPS framework. Since 2007, over 100,000 Nepalese migrant workers have worked in Korea on equal terms with Koreans through the EPS program. It has created meaningful pathways for Nepalese youth to gain employment, return with dignity, and uplift their home communities. The EPS is not just a labor program-it is a human development partnership, according to the ambassador.
He also highlighted the KOICA-supported "K-Hami" project, which provides reintegration support for returning workers-from pre-departure to post-return-through training, mentorship, and resources for entrepreneurship.
Nepal is a young and dynamic country. With the average age in the mid-20s, the potential of Nepalese youth is immense. "By supporting their entrepreneurial journey, we are not just helping individuals-we are helping build the foundation of Nepal's economic growth and resilience."
