Kathmandu— Each day, more than 2,000 Nepalese citizens leave the country seeking employment and educational opportunities abroad, with over 70,000 departing in the last month alone. Driven by a lack of domestic jobs, low wages, economic hardship, and limited access to quality education, these individuals often face dangerous working conditions and tragically, many do not return home alive. While remittances from migrant workers are vital to Nepal’s economy, approximately 1,500 Nepali citizens die while working abroad each year, highlighting systemic failures in the country's development model and political system.

The Scale of Out-Migration

Over 2,000 Nepali youths leave the country daily seeking better opportunities. The primary drivers for this out-migration are a shortage of jobs within Nepal, inadequate compensation for those employed domestically, broader economic difficulties, and limited access to quality education. This compels many Nepalis to seek livelihoods in foreign lands, despite the inherent risks.

A Mounting Death Toll

The story of Nepali migrant workers is fraught with hardship, as evidenced by the grim statistic that around four bodies of deceased workers arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu each day. Official data indicates approximately 1,500 Nepali migrant workers die annually, often due to dangerous working conditions, poor safety measures, workplace accidents, and even sudden cardiac arrest. The government faces significant challenges – both financial and logistical – in repatriating these bodies.

Government Response and Financial Constraints

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal recently addressed the issue in parliament, stating that the government is working to establish a legal framework for bringing home the remains of Nepali citizens who have died abroad. This response came after lawmaker Ashika Tamang raised concerns about repatriating the body of Santosh Rai, who died while receiving treatment in Cambodia on May 14, 2026. The estimated cost to return Rai’s body is approximately US$1,000, covering medical expenses, mortuary charges, and airfare. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a procedure for managing rescue, relief, and repatriation efforts, but it awaits approval from the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

Budgetary Limitations and Parliamentary Discontent

The government allocated Rs. 150 million in the current fiscal year for these purposes, an amount deemed insufficient by the Foreign Ministry which has requested additional funding. The proposed procedure would allow for a maximum expenditure of Rs. 1.2 million per person to repatriate a deceased citizen’s body. Lawmaker Tamang expressed dissatisfaction with Minister Khanal's response and staged a walkout during the House meeting, defying instructions from the Speaker.

The government is awaiting approval on budgetary procedures that would facilitate the repatriation of Nepali citizens who die abroad, highlighting the state’s responsibility to support its citizens regardless of their migration status.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.