In the post-Jana Andolan II phase, an unprecedented 487 job aspirants are leaving the country a day to realise their dreams of earning a relatively hefty income for better livelihood when they return home. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and the lingering conflict are the obvious factors. And this number is on a steady rise. Interestingly, last year, after getting the official nod for foreign employment, the number of women job-seekers has almost doubled this year. Nepali labour force has started venturing out to Seychelles, Cyprus and New Zealand apart from the traditional destinations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

The fact, however, remains that even the drastically changed political scenario, apart from lifting the spirits, has hardly been able to uplift the socio-economic status of the masses. Jobs are desperately wanted and the youths cannot be blamed for seeking them abroad. This directly points to the government’s failure in generating employment opportunities at home. In terms of back-home remittances, Nepal comes under the top 20 countries. A World Bank report predicts that Nepal can double its remittances provided the workforce is properly trained. On the one hand remittances are increasing, while on the other, important sectors of national economy are on the downslide. Appropriate amendments to the Foreign Employment Act are a must to streamline this vital sector. The government ought to guarantee that Nepali workforce is not duped by unscrupulous elements and their hard-earned money is invested in productive enterprises back home.