KATHMANDU, Jan 12: The number of Nepali citizens leaving the country to seek overseas employment is increasing despite political parties promising job opportunities during elections.

According to the data from the Department of Foreign Employment, in the Nepali months of Kartik (mid-October to mid November) and Mangshir (mid-November to mid-December), a total of 78,370 and 68,564 Nepali citizens respectively obtained work permits to go abroad. Despite the formation of a new government after the recent elections, there has been no decline in the number of people seeking employment abroad, according to information officer of the Department of Foreign Employment, Krishna Prasad Bhusal.

Dipendra Rana Magar from Solukhumbu, who was leaving for Malaysia with a work permit, said that despite casting his vote in recent elections, he does not believe there will be enough job opportunities in the country. He hopes that working abroad will bring financial relief to his family. Magar also expresses his skepticism about the political situation in Nepal, saying that despite the hope for a change, most people voted for the same leaders and that these leaders' standard of living has improved, while the standard of living for the general population has not. Magar stated that nothing seems to have changed, and that going abroad is the only option for unemployed citizens like him to support their families.

Magar also expressed his concerns over the increasing cost of living and how it is becoming more and more difficult to afford basic necessities. He said that the wages earned from working every day are not enough to even buy enough rice. He expressed frustration towards the leaders, saying that they remain the same while poverty persists. He also expressed disappointment to the state of his country, saying that while other countries are prospering, Nepal is becoming like a dry, withered leaf.

Magar mentioned that the country seems to be deteriorating instead of progressing, and that there are no options but to go abroad. He also complained about the government's efforts to reduce prices, which he believes are inadequate and do not reflect the reality of the increasing cost of living.  Som Tamang, who also left for Malaysia on December 27, shared similar views, saying that politicians make promises during elections but disappear after winning and that poverty is the main reason people are compelled to go abroad. He mentioned that even after 25-30 years, no progress has been made in the country and that even though going abroad means leaving family and friends behind, it is a better way to earn money. He said that he can't even afford to celebrate festivals back home due to the lack of financial means.

"It is a distinct joy to work and live with family in one's own country, but that facility is not available here," said Tamang, "They lure the common people during the election with feasts or giving incentives such as providing employment to the members of the family to get votes." But that optimistic speech is only limited to a few days.''

If corruption in the country is brought under control, it will be possible to develop the country and eradicate poverty, says Tamang.

“This will end the compulsion of thousands of young Nepalis to go abroad for work”

 
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