Traveling Abroad For Work: Why Do Nepali Men Leave?

Nepal is a low-income country with a quarter of its population living below the poverty line. Due to limited job opportunities, international migration is a popular livelihood strategy for many Nepali men, with most working in high-risk, unskilled, and low-paid jobs. It is estimated that about 4 million Nepalese work abroad as temporary workers, primarily in Malaysia, the Middle East, and India. These migrant workers send home over $4 billion annually, comprising over 30% of Nepal's gross domestic product.

High risk of workplace accidents and injuries

Nepal is a low-income country with a quarter of its population living below the poverty line. Due to limited job opportunities at home, many Nepali men work abroad as temporary workers or 'guest workers', often in high-risk, unskilled and low-paid jobs. These migrant workers are at a high risk of workplace-related accidents and injuries due to a number of interrelated factors, including:

• Poor health and safety at work
• Pressure of work
• Risk-taking practices
• Language barriers
• Their general work environment

Almost half of the participants in a study experienced work-related accidents abroad. Some participants experienced serious incidents causing life-long disability, yet received no support from their employer or host countries.

In another study, the overall prevalence of work-related injuries among farmers in the last 12 months was 69 %. The most common types of injury were cuts, puncture wounds and lacerations. Hand tools were responsible for most of the injuries, followed by slipping at work, sharp instruments, animals and falling from a height. Upper limb injury comprised 67 % of all injuries and the most involved part was fingers (43 %).

Poor communication and language barriers

Nepalese migrant workers often have limited knowledge of the language spoken in their host country, which can make communication with colleagues, supervisors, and employers challenging. This is exacerbated by the fact that many supervisors and managers in these countries may also be foreign workers who do not speak Nepali and may have poor English skills themselves. As a result, Nepali workers may struggle to understand instructions, safety protocols, and other important information, putting them at risk of accidents and injuries.

Additionally, poor communication and language barriers can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, negatively impacting the mental health of Nepalese workers. It can also make it difficult for them to navigate their new environment, access necessary services, and form social connections with people from other cultures.

To overcome these challenges, Nepalese workers can learn basic phrases and greetings in the local language, use translation apps and tools, and try to find commonalities with other languages they may know. Additionally, host countries and employers can provide language training and resources to help Nepalese workers communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Pressure to take risks and work unsafely

I'm sorry, but the search query did not return any relevant results.

Lack of health and safety regulations

Nepal has a long way to go in terms of health and safety regulations. The country's Labour Act 1992 and Labour Rules 1993 do not adequately address the current health and safety issues faced by industrial workers. There is a lack of robust policies, laws, management initiatives, and corporate culture surrounding health and safety in Nepal. This is evident in the country's high rate of road accidents, which are caused by various factors such as overloading vehicles, driver negligence, mechanical failure, speeding, and poor road conditions.

Nepal's health and safety regulations are not on par with international standards. The country's Labour Act and Labour Rules do not provide sufficient guidelines to ensure the good health and safety of workers in various industries. The lack of adequate government policies and laws makes it difficult to hold businesses and organizations accountable for creating a safe working environment.

The "Occupational Safety and Health Project" was established under the Ministry of Labor and Employment to promote a safe and healthy working environment for the labour force. However, the success of this project needs to be evaluated, as it is not clear if it has had a significant impact on improving health and safety regulations in Nepal.

Nepal has a high rate of work-related accidents and diseases. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 2.3 million people die every year from work-related accidents and diseases globally. Nepal's lack of health and safety regulations contributes to this issue, as many workplace tragedies are preventable through the implementation of sound prevention, reporting, and inspection practices.

The General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) has also highlighted the lack of health and safety regulations in the country. In a survey conducted in 159 enterprises, GEFONT found that demands for safe drinking water, clean toilet facilities, and protective safety equipment were at the top of the list. This reveals the stark reality of the country's primitive state of occupational health and safety.

It is important for Nepal to prioritize the development and implementation of strong health and safety policies to protect its workforce. By working with industrial organizations, private sector professionals, academia, trade unions, and international organizations, Nepal can create a comprehensive legislative framework that meets international regulatory standards.

Poor working conditions

Nepal is one of the least developed countries in the world, with a severe shortage of skilled labour. The unemployment rate is high, and millions of unskilled labourers work abroad, contributing around 28% of the country's total GDP. Poor working conditions in Nepal can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a lack of regulation, limited skilled labour, and poor implementation of labour laws.

Firstly, working conditions in Nepal are largely unregulated. While labour laws exist to protect workers, they are often not enforced. For example, the amended Factories and Factory Workers' Act 1977, revised after the democratic transition in 1990, sets out a 6-day, 48-hour workweek with 30 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick leave, basic health and safety standards, and some benefits. However, these standards are not always followed, especially in the agricultural sector and family-run farms and businesses.

Secondly, skilled labour is severely limited in Nepal, with a quarter of the labour force composed of Indians. This shortage has negatively impacted the development of the industrial economy. The country faces a significant "brain drain," with thousands of well-educated and skilled workers emigrating to developed countries. As a result, there is a lack of skilled labour to support economic growth and development.

Lastly, the implementation of worker-friendly labour laws, endorsed by labour unions and business owners, is severely lacking in practice. While Nepal has made efforts to improve working conditions and workers' rights, the gap between policy and practice remains significant. Trade unions have played a crucial role in advocating for better working conditions, but their highly politicized nature has hindered overall economic growth.

The poor working conditions in Nepal, characterized by a lack of regulation, limited skilled labour, and inadequate implementation of labour laws, have contributed to high unemployment and underemployment rates. This has led to a significant number of men seeking work outside of the country, leaving women to shoulder the burden of household responsibilities and agricultural work.

Frequently asked questions