Shreni Rajbhandary
Graduate student, Cornell University
Migration is a global trend rather than a national shortfall. It is inevitable and not a loss but an opportunity; it equips Nepalis with international expertise, technical skills and fresh ideas, many of which are being brought back to transform Nepal.
Young Nepalis who have pursued education abroad are making strides across diverse fields. Shristi Dugar, a Northwestern alumna, leverages her international education to introduce new verticals in her family business in Nepal; Aneka Rebecca Rajbhandari, from Peking, bridges Nepal-China relations through the Arniko Project. Dr Baibhavi Thapa, trained in aesthetic medicine in Dubai and India, is advancing Nepal’s medical sector at Norvic Hospital. Anura Shrestha, an AIT graduate, leads impactful community resilience projects addressing critical local challenges. Prakash Koirala, a Harvard alumnus, is enhancing financial literacy to improve financial capabilities across Nepal. Other inspiring leaders to watch include Ankshita Chaudhary, an LSE alumna whose work on Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem fosters innovation, and Rastraraj Bhandari, an NYU graduate who is working on climate adaptation with the Himalayan Water Project. Mohit Rauniyar, a Harvard student, empowers youth through Canopy Nepal promoting education equity. Abiral Khatri, a Renmin graduate, contributes to renewable energy solutions and shaping Nepal’s sustainable energy landscape.
Beyond students, the realities faced by Nepali migrant workers are sobering, undeniable and a hard pill to swallow. To turn this tide, Nepal must invest in skilling its workforce, creating pathways for them to transition into higher-value sectors such as technology, construction and healthcare. Collaborative programs like the Skill Fair of Kathmandu Municipality between the government and private sector can help returning workers reintegrate into the local economy.
Globally, countries like Japan, Indonesia, and Kosovo have implemented strategic programs to equip their youth with international skills while ensuring they return to contribute to their nations. Nepal has similar opportunities through initiatives like DAAD, Erasmus, and Fulbright, but these need better promotion and expanded quotas to reach more youth.
I have represented Nepal on global platforms sharing its untold stories of resilience and potential. My exposure to over 20 countries has equipped me with technical knowledge in infrastructure financing, mobility, energy transitions and climate adaptation, enabling me to pool investments in Nepal. These experiences empower me to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
Migration is part of a global journey and the key lies in harnessing this movement to ensure Nepali youth, wherever they are, contribute to building a vibrant and promising nation. So, is Nepal a country that is not for youth? It undoubtedly is. It is gaining momentum but still requires significant effort to reach its full potential.
Prof Dr Achyut Wagle
Registrar, Kathmandu University. Professor of Economics
In Nepal, the education system and societal orientation have failed to highlight the immense potential and prospects the country offers. It is not that Nepal lacks opportunities, but rather, they are not effectively demonstrated or communicated to the youth. Consequently, a large portion of semi-skilled and mid-skilled work is being carried out by foreign workers from India, Bangladesh and other countries. Whether its roles in hospitality, bartending, or even accounting, Nepali workers are underrepresented. Even in high-paying jobs – those earning over 2 to 3 lakhs per month – are dominated by the foreigners. Walk into any major private company, and you’ll hardly find Nepali professionals in key positions.
This failure is compounded by the influence of social media which glamorises the idea of moving abroad as the ultimate opportunity. However, the ground reality tells a different story. Statistics show that only 30% of students who go abroad on student visas succeed in their studies, while many face significant challenges. Despite this, there exists a social stigma in admitting failure. This false narrative acts as a pull factor enticing youth to leave while the real push factor is Nepal’s inability to create sufficient employment opportunities. Our education system has also failed to instil patriotism and a sense of ownership in the youth.
Saying, “My son is in Australia” or “My daughter is in the US” is often viewed as a status symbol which only perpetuates this exodus. One critical issue is the lack of respect for certain professions within Nepal. Jobs like hairdressing, carpentry, masonry or recycling are often looked down upon despite being lucrative and essential. Paradoxically, Nepali youth have no qualms about doing similar work abroad. This societal bias must be addressed to create a culture of respect for all types of work.
Additionally, Nepal needs policy-level transformations to create opportunities and align education with employability. Educating a child is a 25-year-long investment, and if that education does not prepare them for the workforce, it’s a significant loss. Ultimately, ownership of one’s land is critical. Countries like Canada, Australia and the US were developed because people decided to make those places their homes for future generations. Nepali youth must adopt this mindset, start at the grassroots level and work their way up contributing to their country’s development. Patriotism is not about slogans, it’s about taking responsibility for your land.
Bilal Ahmed Shah
CEO, Latido Leather
The problem right now is that youth don’t see hope and people who are actually in a position to do something don’t do anything because, as a society, we are still struggling and fighting with power struggles; our current political situation is the best example. People have lost hope, and it is so disappointing. It is my conscious choice to stay here and dedicate everything to making a difference. It’s not bad to go abroad but the sad part is people who are going abroad will probably never come back; with them, we lose our culture and the next generation.
So many people who want to do something here want to stay with their parents and lead a normal life where they get basic employment and equal opportunity, not even big, big things; there aren’t one. Not everybody wants to change the world.
It kills me to see people losing hope and leaving the country and watching the people in power do nothing about it. Honestly, in comparison to today’s world, where people talk about AI and technology, we are still struggling with basic meritocracy. Our generation might not see the Nepal we all aspire to, but then some people are trying to make a difference here. If I talk about opportunities (considering problems as opportunities), it excites me. I am an optimist. I see so much opportunity but I must say it is really difficult; you need to have a strong reason to stay here and make a difference. I am a believer, and I don’t expect the people in power to do anything. We will have to pave our own way.
Amish Raj Mulmi
Researcher & Author, All Roads Lead North: Nepal’s Turn to China
Nepal is a country for the youth. Its population demographic is at the right age, there are several opportunities inside the country, and income levels are rising, meaning new areas of enterprise and skills will continuously increase. Its location means it can benefit from two of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. Given current migration rates, lack of economic opportunities, and political and social non-evolution, I don’t think that’s the case. However, only the youth can change the status quo. Revolution begins at home, and it is up to the youth to bring about change. For that, the youth must question existing norms and demand the changes they want to see in Nepal.
Kritika Neupane
Social Activist
Nepal has, in many ways, let its youth down. With constant shifts in policies, power struggles, and a heavy tax burden, staying in the country often feels like an uphill battle for those striving for a stable future. The drop in university enrolments clearly shows the growing frustration with limited opportunities and the challenges of building a secure life here.
Yet, it’s not all doom and gloom; there’s still a way to turn this sinking ship around.
We believe that youth migration is just about leaving, but it’s more about searching for a brighter future. If the same energy and ambition that drives young people abroad were harnessed here, Nepal’s story could be very different. The key lies in creating an environment where staying feels as promising as leaving. This means improving governance, supporting industries that employ young people, and encouraging youth to take the lead in politics and society.
Nepal can be a country for youth, but only if we make bold changes, and if the youth themselves step up to create the future they want. I believe that every day is the time to turn these challenges into an opportunity.
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