UAE Surpasses Saudi Arabia as Top Destination for Nepali Migrant Workers in 2025/26

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become the largest destination for Nepali migrant workers in the first month of 2025/26, according to data from the Department of Foreign Employment.

A total of 17,779 new Nepali workers headed to the UAE, accounting for 40% of total new labor approvals, while Saudi Arabia received 5,900 workers (13.3%). Qatar stood third with 4,411 workers (9.9%), followed by Kuwait (2,627) and Japan (2,059).

Analysts attribute this shift to better salary structures, improved working conditions, and diversified job opportunities in the UAE, particularly in the construction, hospitality, and service sectors. By contrast, Saudi Arabia has seen a gradual decline, partly due to stricter labor regulations, rising living costs, and reduced demand in some industries.

In the renew entry category, Qatar continued to dominate with 7,673 workers (32.5%), followed by the UAE (6,059), Saudi Arabia (3,985), and Kuwait (1,443). However, the UAE showed strong growth in both new and repeat entries, signaling its rising importance for Nepali labor migration.

Economists warn that while remittances from Gulf countries remain Nepal’s economic lifeline, the country must carefully monitor labor rights, working conditions, and long-term migration trends. Heavy reliance on a few destinations exposes Nepal to risks of sudden policy changes abroad.