The Hidden Health Burden of Migration: Struggles of Nepalese Labour Migrants from Departure to Return
Authors: Regmi, P., Paudyal, P., Simkhada, P., Regmi Paudyal, A., van Teijlingen, E., Aryal, N. and Wasti, S.
Conference: Britain–Nepal Academic Council
Dates: 24-25 April 2025
Abstract:Nepal sends over 2,000 migrant workers abroad daily, primarily to Malaysia and Gulf countries. While remittances from Nepalese labour migrants significantly boost Nepal’s economy and individual households, this often comes at a high human cost. For example, between 2008/09 and 2021/22, more than 10,000 Nepali migrants lost their lives abroad, and many returned with disabilities. The negative impact of migration to families left behind is also frequently raised in media and scientific literature.
Labour migration from Nepal carries numerous risks and vulnerabilities, with migrants facing challenges at all stages of the migration trajectory. Aspiring migrants often have limited access to information and support from government or civil societies. Although pre-departure health screenings and orientation training are mandatory, these processes are poorly executed, with widespread malpractices and inadequate oversight. Emerging topics such as sexual harassment, trafficking, suicides, sudden deaths or cardiometabolic diseases are not adequately covered in the programme. Furthermore, migrants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds incur high costs for documentation and procedures, including illegal recruitment fees, which not only impact migrants’ mental health, but also have significant consequences for the families left behind.
Once abroad, Nepalese migrants face exploitation and harsh working conditions. Many work in a poorly regulated environments, receiving inadequate training in health and safety. The Kafala system in some countries restricts their ability to change employers, exposing already vulnerable migrants to further abusive practices, long hours, low wages, and hazardous working conditions. Migrants also struggle with limited access to healthcare, high out-of-pocket expenses, and poor living conditions in overcrowded, unsanitary housing. Women face additional challenges like sexual violence, unintended pregnancy, exploitation, and unemployment. Those who return after facing abuse encounter societal stigma and lack support, while the weak economic situation in Nepal hinders their ability to utilise the skills they gained abroad. Moreover, there are limited reintegration opportunities, especially for trafficked individuals or victims of forced labour and those with disabilities.
This interactive panel discussion offers a great platform to discuss these important public health issues, facilitated by experts in the field of migration and public health.
Source: Manual