Kathmandu: The year 2024 witnessed a significant rise in emigration, with 1.674 million Nepalis traveling abroad, reflecting an increase of over 70,000 compared to 2023, according to the Department of Immigration. Economic opportunities and family reunification were the primary motivations for emigration. Among the total, 856,422 individuals left for employment, with men comprising the vast majority (769,890), while 96,197 women also sought jobs overseas.
Family reunification emerged as another significant factor, with 131,797 Nepalis joining relatives abroad, where women (77,257) outnumbered men (54,531). Permanent settlement also drove emigration, with 66,835 individuals relocating, almost evenly split between men (34,544) and women (32,287).
Education was a major draw for younger Nepalis, with 119,409 students going abroad to pursue studies, including 64,335 men and 55,068 women. Other categories of travel included tourism (274,428 individuals), business (20,101), medical treatment (18,713), and attending conferences or seminars (24,262).
The data underscores the growing trend of Nepalis seeking opportunities and stability outside the country, driven by the promise of employment, education, and family connections. This increase highlights both the opportunities and challenges posed by such significant outmigration for Nepal’s economy and society.