KATHMANDU, Aug 24: The deaths of Nepalis working abroad have become increasingly alarming. Many who leave the country chasing the dream of earning money and supporting their families return home as lifeless bodies. In the past month alone, 174 Nepalis’ bodies have been brought back to Nepal.
According to data from Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office, 174 bodies were repatriated in the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August). The customs office reports that, on average, four to five bodies arrive daily. The deceased were from countries including Kuwait, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Qatar.
146 Nepali migrant workers repatriated via charter flights
According to the Foreign Employment Board, 1,255 Nepalis died while working abroad in the fiscal year 2024/25. This figure represents those who died after obtaining labor approval and whose families received financial assistance from the Board.
Police records show that 1,401 deaths were officially registered and the bodies handed over to families. In the previous fiscal year 2023/24, 1,455 Nepalis died while working abroad.
