KATHMANDU, Jan 8: Dreams of working abroad are turning into financial nightmares for many Nepali youths, as fraudsters and unscrupulous agents exploit their ambitions. Lured by promises of overseas jobs, victims often pay hundreds of thousands of rupees—only to see the money vanish, leaving their aspirations and finances in tatters.
Hundreds of young lives are being pushed into crises, their hopes shattered before they even board a plane.
According to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), 2,016 complaints of foreign employment fraud were registered between mid-July and mid-November of the current fiscal year (FY) 2082/83 BS. Of these, 166 cases were resolved through mediation, while 64 were filed in court. Victims have so far received compensation exceeding Rs 65.19 million.
Nepali workers go abroad either individually or through government-authorized manpower companies. Under the institutional channel, 450 fraud-related complaints were filed—and according to the DoFE, all of them have been resolved.
Despite this, stakeholders warn that the growing number of complaints shows that fraud remains widespread and largely uncontrolled. “Economic pressure pushes youths to take risks and trust agents blindly,” said a migration expert. “Complicated legal procedures, lack of evidence, time consumption, and high costs discourage many victims from filing complaints. Many remain silent even after being cheated.”
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DoFE Spokesperson Chandrabhadur Siwakoti said that as more Nepalis pursue work abroad, fraud complaints have naturally risen. “Earlier, most cases involved jobs in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Now, more victims are approaching us after losing millions to agents promising work in European countries,” he told Republica.
Most cases involve illegal agents or intermediaries who lure youths with attractive job offers and collect money in advance. “We are working to control fraud and protect workers’ rights, but handling hundreds of complaints every day has become a major challenge,” Siwakoti added.
The DoFE registers complaints only when victims provide proof related to foreign employment. Cases without supporting documents remain unregistered, leaving many victims without recourse. “Fraud complaints are rising every year. Youths chasing dreams of foreign employment are being cheated more often by individuals than by manpower companies,” Siwakoti said.
The appeal of Europe has grown significantly in recent years. DoFE data show that most fraud complaints now involve promises of jobs in countries such as Portugal, Poland, Romania, Malta, Croatia, the UK, and Greece. Complaints also mention North America, including Canada and the United States.
Labor and migration expert Rameshwar Nepal said youth exploitation in foreign employment is a serious concern. “Many are tempted by promises of high earnings in Eastern European countries and are willing to take loans to pay the demanded amounts,” he said. “The government should consider opening legal pathways for Nepali workers to Europe, given its growing appeal.”
Former president of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies, Rajendra Bhandari, said fraud has shifted from institutional channels to individuals. “Earlier, many cases involved manpower companies. Now, most fraud is committed by individuals using social media to lure unsuspecting youths,” he explained.
Government data highlight a sharp increase in foreign employment fraud over the past six years and five months. Between FY 2076/77 BS and mid-December FY 2082/83 BS, a total of 23,552 complaints were registered. The annual breakdown shows a steep upward trend: 1,255 complaints in FY 2076/77 BS, 780 in FY 2077/78 BS, 1,742 in FY 2078/79 BS, 4,464 in FY 2079/80 BS, 7,663 in FY 2080/81 BS, 5,632 in FY 2081/82, and 2,016 complaints from mid-July to mid-December of the current fiscal year.
The DoFE recently issued a warning that going abroad illegally—without labor approval, through unauthorized agents or institutions, or using third-country airports—is unlawful. Such practices increase risks of human trafficking, labor exploitation, and abuse.
To ensure safe, dignified, and reliable foreign employment, the DoFE has urged workers to follow the provisions of the Foreign Employment Act 2007, including mandatory training, insurance, social security, and health checks, and to obtain labor approval before departure. Nepali airports must also be used when traveling abroad for employment.
The DoFE has cautioned that anyone facilitating illegal foreign employment or promoting it through unauthorized social media advertisements will be monitored, investigated, and prosecuted under the law. Workers are urged to verify the authenticity of foreign employment advertisements through government sources and to conduct financial transactions only after receiving official labor approval.
As fraud in foreign employment continues to rise, experts stress that vigilance, regulation, and strict enforcement are the only ways to protect the dreams—and livelihoods—of Nepali youths. With every case of deception, the urgent need for transparency, legal channels, and speedy justice becomes ever clearer.
