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HISTORY

A huge number of Nepalese workers migrate to work in the absence of fruitful local employment opportunities. Migration is nothing new to Nepal, and the total stock of Nepalese nationals working overseas (excluding in India) in different capacities is estimated to be about 1 million around the world.

The history of the formal entrance of Nepalese citizens into foreign employment began in 1814-1815 after the Nepal-British India war. A total of 4,650 Nepalese youngsters were recruited to the British armed forces as a British Gurkha regiment. Similarly, the migration of Nepalese people for other employment purposes, such as working in the tea estates of Darjeeling and the forest of Assam, began in the second half of the 19th century. Economic migration to the Middle East from South Asia and other parts of the world was spurred on by the oil boom in the early 1970s. International labour migration, mostly to Gulf States, Malaysia and other South-East Asian countries is a new phenomenon of migration in the Nepalese context with about a 30-year long history. Unexpectedly, foreign labour migration has developed in such a way that it has shifted from an agriculturally based economy toward a remittance-based economy. According to figures released by the government, there are more than 600,000 documented migrant workers abroad, whereas other estimated figures put the number at more than one million Nepali migrant workers including 100,000 female migrant workers. This figure does not include the population who migrated to India.

The reasons behind migration are almost the same in Nepal as in other parts of the world. Poverty, limited employment opportunities, deteriorating agricultural productivity, and armed conflict are some of the motives behind international labour migration. There are many villages in Nepal where labour migration has been established as a culture of a community; that is, going abroad for work for a while and returning with some money and the experience of living in a different geographical location. The influence of friends, relatives and well-wishers has also played a prominent role in the promotion of international labour migration.

After the long trend of migration of the Nepalese workers in Malaysia and middle east countries the graph started reversing recently towards the European Union when the employment rules eased up. 

Romania, for instance, issued 29,800 work permits to foreign workers in 2019, of these 4,324 were Nepali workers — the second highest nationality after Vietnam.

Similarly, in Poland, of the 69,000 work permits issued to Asian workers, 9,200 were granted to Nepalis who now make up the highest nationality. In 2019, the 2,273 Nepalis officially residing in Malta made them the fourth largest non-EU nationality on the Mediterranean island.


Why Nepalese Workers?

Nepalese workers are considered by many as among the most hard-working, efficient and loyal workers in the world.


Over the years, Nepalese have journeyed to many parts of the world to work as professionals, skilled, semi-skilled and technical workers. Nine million Nepalese are spread around the world working in every imaginable job, thus sometimes earning the distinction of global workers. As a result, the demand for Nepalese workers stems from some widely-recognized groups in the world.


The Nepalese workers are always family oriented hence they have a strong will to succeed. They are well-disciplined, good team players, warm and caring and of course very hard workers. They can easily adjust to foreign cultures and work environments. Has a sound temperament and can cope with the demands and pressure of his work.




Things about Nepalese workers that make them attractive to potential employers from all over the world:


The distinctive characteristics of Nepalese comprise the main reason why they are preferred by many foreign employers. Below are some of the general traits of Nepalese that are evident in their working habits:

·         Passionate 


Nepalese generally put passion into their work. They love to tackle their jobs especially if they feel sufficiently recognized and compensated for their efforts.


·         Competent 


Nepalese are well-trained in their respective fields. A lot of Nepalese citizens have even gained international acclaim in various fields. They are generally capable of meeting high standards and complying with strict regulations in the performance of their duties.


·         Industrious 


Nepalese workers are used to overtime work. It is even a common practice to stay beyond work hours just to finish a task. And some do not do it just for the money but just for the desire to go home with a sense of fulfilment of having accomplished much for the day.


·         Competitive 


Nepalese are naturally competitive. This trait can be seen in their love for various competitions including sports, academic excellence and career advancement.


·         Resourceful and creative 


Being lacking in many aspects, Nepalese have mastered the art of resourcefulness and creativity. Time and again, they have proven that necessity is indeed the mother of invention. This typical Nepalese character is evident in a lot of improvised devices, makeshift dwellings and do-it-yourself equipment that are prevalently used particularly in impoverished provinces.


·         Innovative 


Nepalese generally like to think that there is always a better way to do things. Thus, coupled with the two previously mentioned traits, they often spearhead and implement innovative ideas designed to improve workflow and processes.


With these personal traits and professional characteristics commonly seen in Nepalese workers, it is clear why many countries have embraced them into their workforce. By employing Nepalese, these countries can maximize their manpower investment and get a quality labour force at competitive costs.