KATHMANDU, March 16: More than 52,000 Nepalis left for foreign employment in Falgun (mid-February to mid-March) despite growing tensions in the Middle East, according to government data.
Statistics from the Department of Foreign Employment Nepal show that a total of 52,944 people obtained labour permits during the month. Among them, 46,452 were men and 6,392 were women.
Of the total, 28,383 individuals received labour approval for the first time, while 24,561 renewed their labour permits.
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The figures come as the government has temporarily suspended labour approvals for several Middle Eastern countries due to escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which has also involved the United States.
Following a ministerial-level decision on March 1, the government halted labour approvals and renewals for 11 countries until further notice. The suspension applies to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Israel.
Despite the suspension, many workers who had received labour approvals earlier in the month were able to depart for their destinations.
Malaysia remained the top destination, receiving 12,601 Nepali workers in Falgun. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates with 11,492 workers, Qatar with 6,775, and Saudi Arabia with 6,225.
In the preceding months, 70,503 workers left for foreign employment in Magh, 62,559 in Poush, and 65,705 in Mangsir, according to the department.
