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Between Rhetoric and Reality: An Evidence-Based Conversation on the State of Nepal's Labor Migration

Labour migration has been a prominent feature of Nepali society for decades. Traditionally, most of the migration used to take place within the country’s borders and across the border to Indian subcontinent and Tibet. With Nepal’s entry into the global economy and the liberalisation of migration after the 1980, many Nepalis have gone for foreign employment, primarily to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Malaysia. The discourse on labour migration, however, continues to remain simplistic for the most part, and its impact is oftentimes portrayed as negative. Migration is seen through the lens of the inability of the government to employ within the country, with political rhetoric populistically echoing that sentiment. Likewise, in recent years, Nepal has witnessed a notable shift in the patterns of labour migration, marked by the emergence of new destinations. However, little is known about the implication of this shift for Nepal. Another profound consequence, that is not something that is on the forefront of conversation now, is the implication of migration on population dynamics and social demography for both Nepal and the communities left behind. Within this context, the panel ‘Between Rhetoric and Reality: An Evidence-Based Conversation on the State of Nepal's Labour Migration’ examines the nuances of international labour migration, its potential for development, and future implications.

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