Nepali Migration Trends Shift: Saudi Arabia Sees Decline, Japan and Cyprus Rise

The dynamics of Nepali labor migration are undergoing a clear shift. Once the undisputed leader, Saudi Arabia has seen a notable decline in new worker approvals, while Japan and Cyprus have emerged as rising destinations for Nepali workers in 2025/26.

According to the Department of Foreign Employment, Saudi Arabia recruited 5,900 new Nepali workers in the first month of 2025/26, down 14.5% from 6,900 during the same period last year. Its share in total new institutional entries has now dropped to 13.3%, compared to nearly 19% a year ago.

Meanwhile, Japan welcomed 2,059 Nepali workers, marking a 50.6% increase compared to last year. Japan’s growing reliance on Nepali workers is linked to its Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, which offers regulated and relatively safer employment opportunities. Similarly, Cyprus also registered an 18.2% rise, with 755 workers approved, reflecting Europe’s growing pull for Nepali labor.

Analysts highlight multiple reasons behind the shift:

• Policy tightening and rising costs in Saudi Arabia have reduced demand for fresh recruits.

• Worker safety and wage concerns in Gulf nations have made migrants and families cautious.

• New opportunities in Europe and East Asia, where governments are opening labor pathways, are attracting Nepali workers.

Experts warn that while diversification of destinations is positive, Nepal must strengthen bilateral labor agreements, worker protections, and monitoring systems to ensure sustainable migration. Over-dependence on a single region has left Nepal vulnerable in the past, and spreading migration across Gulf, Europe, and East Asia could balance risks.