Key Takeaways:
- 125,021 Nepalis employed in Korea under EPS since 2008
- Around 55,000 have returned, many starting businesses in Nepal
- KOICA, K-HaMi and ADBL offering subsidised loans to support entrepreneurship
More than 125,000 Nepalis have secured employment in South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) since 2008, with the programme increasingly contributing to entrepreneurship, remittance inflows and Nepal's economic development, speakers said at the Nepal-Korea Labour Cooperation Seminar held in Kathmandu on Thursday.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal and the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment to discuss labour cooperation and the socio-economic impact of Nepal-Korea migration.
Addressing the event, Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment Ramee Yadav said the government is pursuing a dual strategy of creating more domestic employment opportunities while ensuring safe and productive foreign employment. He said efforts are underway to digitise Nepal's labour migration system and build a skilled, inclusive and resilient labour market that meets the aspirations of young people.
South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Taeyoung said the Korean government is supporting entrepreneurship among returnee migrant workers and partnering with Nepal in sectors including education, health, agriculture and information technology to promote economic development.
According to the organisers, the EPS has provided employment opportunities to 125,021 Nepalis between 2008 and July 10, 2026, including 115,982 men and 9,039 women. Around 70,000 Nepalis are currently working in South Korea, while about 55,000 have returned after completing their employment contracts.
Speakers noted that many returnees are investing their savings and skills in businesses across the manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and service sectors, creating jobs and contributing to Nepal's economy. The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), K-HaMi and the Agricultural Development Bank Limited (ADBL) have also partnered to provide subsidised loans to eligible Korea returnees to support entrepreneurship.
Speakers stressed that the government-to-government EPS model has ensured transparent, low-cost migration while strengthening Nepal's foreign exchange reserves through remittances.
Around 150 participants, including government officials, diplomats, media representatives and members of returnee organisations ANKUR, NKBEA and K-HaMi, attended the event.