UAE Remains Top Job Destination for Nepali Workers with 37,381 Migrants in 2025/26

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to dominate as the largest destination for Nepali migrant workers, according to the latest Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) macroeconomic data. In the first two months of FY 2025/26, a total of 37,381 Nepalis received approval for employment in the UAE — accounting for over 41 percent of all new foreign employment permits issued during the period.

This represents a 40.2 percent increase compared to the same period in FY 2024/25, when 26,662 workers had gone to the UAE. The sustained surge reflects strong demand in the Gulf labor market, particularly in the construction, hospitality, logistics, and domestic service sectors. Nepali manpower agencies report that the UAE’s diversified economy and worker-friendly recruitment policies continue to attract both skilled and semi-skilled labor from Nepal.

The UAE is followed by Saudi Arabia (11,923 workers, 13.2%), Qatar (8,340, 9.2%), and Kuwait (4,926, 5.5%). Among non-Gulf destinations, Japan (3,779 workers, up 42%) and Cyprus (1,359 workers, up 14.8%) have shown remarkable growth, indicating expanding employment opportunities for Nepalis in Asia and Europe.

Meanwhile, total foreign employment approvals (new) reached 90,198 in the two-month period — a 17.9% increaseyear-on-year — while renewal entries climbed 13.1% to 45,884. This brings Nepal’s total outward migration (new + renewal) to over 1.36 lakh workers in just two months of FY 2025/26.

Analysts note that while labor migration continues to generate billions in remittance inflows, it also underscores Nepal’s dependence on foreign employment amid limited domestic job creation. Policymakers have emphasized the need for better worker protection, skill training, and reintegration programs to ensure long-term sustainability.