KATHMANDU: A total of 1,346 Nepalis died while employed in various countries in 2023/24, data released by the Foreign Employment Board shows. On average, three Nepalis die every day while employed abroad.
Malaysia recorded the highest number of deaths of Nepali workers with 251 fatalities. Most of these deaths were due to natural causes, accidents and suicides, according to the Board. Saudi Arabia followed with 213 deaths, while Qatar reported 183 fatalities. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) saw 175 deaths. Other countries reporting significant numbers include Kuwait (53), Japan (17), Bahrain (16), South Korea (12), Cyprus (8) and Oman (5).
According to the Board, 653 Nepalis returned home from foreign job destinations with disabilities and 265 returned due to illness during the review year.
Tikaram Dhaka, the spokesperson for the Board told Himal Press, said it is a matter of concern that young and energetic lives are being lost during foreign employment. “Although workers undergo medical examinations in Nepal before leaving for job destinations and also in destination countries, unexpected deaths continue to occur. We are working to prevent such incidents and need to introduce special programs to reduce the death rate,” Dhakal said.
A total of 1,208 workers died during foreign employment in 2022/23.
The government provides Rs 700,000 as compensation to families of deceased workers through the Board. A welfare fund has been established to assist families of deceased workers and those who return home with disabilities.
A total of 741,297 Nepalis left for foreign employment in 149 countries in 2023/24.
