Nepali Workers in Gulf Countries Demand Better Rights Amidst Immigration Challenges

With over 3 million Nepalis working abroad—particularly in the Gulf countries, Malaysia, and South Korea—the issue of worker rights and immigration policies remains a critical concern.

Recently, thousands of Nepali migrant workers in Qatar and Saudi Arabia protested against delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and lack of legal protections. Many workers, who left Nepal in search of better job opportunities, are now trapped in exploitative conditions with limited legal recourse.

“I have been working in Doha, Qatar, for five years, but for the past six months, our company has not paid us on time,” said Ram Bahadur Magar, a Nepali construction worker. “If we complain, they threaten to cancel our visas or blacklist us.”

Nepal’s government has been in talks with labor-receiving countries to improve conditions for Nepali workers, including agreements on minimum wage, timely salary payments, and employer accountability. However, progress has been slow, and many workers are still vulnerable to labor exploitation.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Nepali immigrants on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are waiting for clarity on their legal status, as the Biden administration reviews potential pathways to permanent residency for TPS holders. Advocacy groups are urging the U.S. government to extend protections for Nepalis who fled natural disasters and political instability in Nepal.

With remittances contributing nearly 25% of Nepal’s GDP, the government must ensure the safety and rights of Nepali workers abroad while also creating better job opportunities at home to reduce migration pressures.