Nepalis Have Reached 231 Countries Worldwide: Why and How?
According to recent data released by the Department of Immigration, Nepalis have traveled to nearly all the countries around the globe.
The department’s “Annual Handbook” shows that in the year 2025, Nepali citizens visited 231 countries worldwide.
Detailed data regarding Nepali foreign travel is included in the department’s “Annual Handbook 2083 Shrawan,” published on their website on Shrawan 19.
“Development and expansion of labor, capital, and technology have enabled Nepalis to reach every country,” stated the department spokesperson, Tikaram Dhakal.
“This is factual data; even if only 10 Nepalis have visited a country, their details are securely held by the department.”
Officials explained that details recorded include visits to regions like Hong Kong or Macau under Chinese administration and trips to the United Nations, inflating the total count of countries.
Former Labor Secretary Vishnu Lamsal joked, “If there were countries beyond Earth, it is possible Nepalis have reached there as well.”
Countries Visited by Nepalis
Photo source, EPA/Shutterstock
According to the Immigration Department’s report, Nepalis traveled to the highest number of countries in 2025. Some countries were visited by just one individual during the year.
Records show 1 Nepali each visited the United States Virgin Islands, Nauru, Guatemala, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon, with no data on their return.
Similarly, 1 Nepali each traveled to Saint Lucia, El Salvador, Monaco, and Western Sahara with records confirming their return.
In previous years, Nepalis have been recorded visiting over 200 countries as well.
Data shows Nepalis traveled to 221 countries in 2024, 227 in 2023, 223 in 2022, and 210 in 2021.
Photo source, Department of Immigration
Approximately 1.7 million Nepalis departed abroad and 1.488 million returned in 2025. According to the department, 50% traveled for foreign employment.
Tourism and pilgrimage accounted for about 13.5%, while roughly 8% traveled for education.
“There are also Nepalis traveling abroad for family visits and business purposes,” added spokesperson Dhakal.
In 2025, the highest number of Nepalis, approximately 300,000, traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Following UAE, many Nepalis reached Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, the United States, China, Thailand, South Korea, Oman, and Hong Kong.
Legal or Illegal?
Photo source, Department of Immigration
According to the Ministry of Youth, Labor, and Employment, Nepal has authorized foreign employment for individuals to 187 countries.
These countries are listed as open in the Foreign Employment Information Management System.
Nepalis can work abroad under government agreements by obtaining labor approval through manpower companies or by securing employment individually.
Experts say another option is to travel on other visas, convert them to work visas, and obtain legal approval from the Nepali embassies.
Mira Acharya, Director General of the Foreign Employment Department, says, “This is also a work permit, but this facility is only available to those who went abroad by September 30, 2024. There is no legal provision afterward.”
The manner in which Nepalis arriving in various countries are stopped or restricted is also an intriguing issue.
Former Labor Secretary Vishnu Lamsal remarked, “Some individuals may avoid obtaining labor approval before going to lesser-known countries but can return to Nepal with employment permits from previous jobs and then re-enter those countries.”
“Similarly, some may initially go to countries open for employment and later move on to different countries.”
Why Provide Information to the Government?
Photo source, Getty Images
According to Lamsal’s understanding, the trend of obtaining labor approval later may have increased for social security and insurance benefits.
The Foreign Employment Department says there are many benefits to obtaining labor approval.
“First of all, having a recognized name makes it easier to manage issues through the Welfare Fund,” explained Director General Acharya.
Those with labor approval affiliated with social security funds have insurance coverage for family members during illness.
“They receive insurance benefits for injuries, repatriation of the deceased worker’s body to Nepal, scholarships up to two children, rescue operations, and legal assistance,” she added.
Photo source, Department of Immigration
This year, 271 individuals facing various issues through manpower companies have been rescued and brought back to Nepal.
“For these reasons, obtaining labor approval benefits both the worker and their family,” she concluded.
Nepalis need prior entry permits to visit nearly 150 countries, many receive on-arrival visas, and some countries allow visa-free entry.
You can also find more news and videos on our YouTube channel and social media platforms.