Tragic Toll of Foreign Employment: Over 1,200 Nepali Youths Lost Lives Abroad, Safety Measures Urgently Needed

In a heart-wrenching revelation, it has come to light that a staggering 1,208 young Nepali individuals, including 45 women seeking foreign employment opportunities, lost their lives during the fiscal year 2079-80. This distressing statistic sheds light on the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and improved conditions for those pursuing work opportunities abroad.

Sita Sharma, a prominent voice in the official media Gorkhapatra Daily, brought this concerning matter to public attention. The deaths occurred as a result of various causes, including workplace accidents, road mishaps, and even suicides, underscoring the risks faced by Nepali workers pursuing foreign employment.

The financial contribution made by those engaged in foreign employment, through remittances sent back to the country, plays a vital role in Nepal’s economy. However, the lack of adequate safety protocols, essential pre-departure information, and timely rescue and medical assistance has resulted in the tragic loss of lives.

The Foreign Employment Board, which extends support to the families of deceased workers, revealed that a staggering amount of 655 million 51 lakh 80 thousand rupees has been disbursed as financial assistance to the families of the deceased. These funds aim to provide some solace to the grieving families, who have lost their loved ones due to the hazardous conditions faced abroad.

Malaysia emerged as one of the countries where a significant number of Nepali workers lost their lives during this period. Rajan Poudel, the director of the Foreign Employment Board, highlighted that the year 2078-79 witnessed a higher death toll compared to the subsequent year, with the number of deaths in 2089-80 being 281 less. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the fatalities.

Foreign employment expert Dr. Ganesh Gurung emphasized that many of these tragedies could be mitigated through improved training and general information provision to aspiring workers. He pointed out that a substantial majority, approximately 76 percent, of those seeking foreign employment lack the necessary skills and knowledge, rendering them more susceptible to risks.

In a related distressing statistic, during the fiscal year 2079-80, 389 workers returned home due to disability or serious illness they acquired while working abroad. The Foreign Employment Board has provided financial assistance to these individuals, offering them support during their challenging times.

Efforts are underway to enhance the safety and well-being of Nepali workers pursuing foreign employment. The government is reportedly discussing the possibility of increasing financial assistance for the families of deceased workers to a higher amount, aiming to provide more substantial support.

As Nepal continues to grapple with the loss of its young workforce to preventable tragedies abroad, there is a pressing need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and welfare of those seeking employment opportunities beyond its borders.