A joint study by the ILO, ADB Institute, and OECD reveals Nepal experienced the largest percentage increase in migrant worker departures in Asia between pre- and post-pandemic periods.
A recently published report jointly authored by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Institute, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights significant shifts in Asian labor migration trends surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Among Asian countries, Nepal demonstrated the highest percentage increase in the outflow of migrant workers when comparing pre-pandemic and post-pandemic data.
The study analyzes labor mobility patterns and underscores Nepal’s expanding engagement in overseas employment markets, a trend attributed to economic pressures and evolving global demand for labor. This increase reflects Nepalese workers seeking employment opportunities abroad, which has implications for remittance flows and domestic economic development.
Officially, the report presents these findings based on comprehensive data collection and analysis, signaling a need for policies supporting Nepalese migrant workers, including protections and facilitation of fair labor practices abroad.
While the report does not specify country destinations or sectors, the trend aligns with known labor migration pathways in Asia. Stakeholders in migration governance and development sectors are advised to monitor these dynamics closely due to their socio-economic impact both in Nepal and host countries such as Greece, which hosts a notable Nepalese diaspora.
The findings encourage enhanced collaboration between sending and receiving countries to ensure the welfare of migrant workers and optimize the benefits of migration for developmental goals.
Sources referenced:
- https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxNRFhmQVZrMG8tQ0hJX1NId0sybnlaU2Q1ZHlhcnVMWGxDZFFMSWxMbXppaXl5alZEcVVhM1VvSkRCaVU4bDk0NmE1NkRESWI3SzNuQ28xZ2JzenZtb1RDWWQwQVd5WmZZTlNwdDZzblVvVjk3bndRWFZ4TW1MaF9DRU1xUWRIMS1fR2R3XzhFeHViYlZNWllhZlhjQm5zdTEyN3ZOUHpONDNtaGxWanc?oc=5
