Nepal’s Migrant Workers: Caught Between Duty and Distance

Nepal’s Migrant Workers: Caught Between Duty and Distance

The unfortunate turn to a genuine protest against the callous leadership resulted in a bloodbath; 74 innocent lives were lost, and dozens were injured. It is attributed to the sheer incompetence of the Government of Nepal, Nepal Police, and other authorities, who are supposed to abide by the social contract and protect the citizens' lives; instead, the devil got over their intentions and did not hesitate to murder the innocents. Likewise, the chaotic anarchy was exploited by the violent protestors, retaliating with the killing of security personnel and other people. Nepal witnessed unprecedented chaos, which resulted in the loss of lives and properties (both public and private), as well as the government change and dissolution of Parliament.

However, in the heart of Nepal’s political upheaval, where the conscience of a new generation swirled a movement against the structural cause of rampant corruption spurred by the "ban of social media," yet there is a silent, aching absence. Perhaps, 839,236 labor permits issued by the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) for Nepalis to work abroad in the last fiscal year won't paint the whole picture of Nepal's labor migration; however, the long history of Nepal's labor migration has left millions of Nepalis as mere spectators in these opportune moments. As youth protest against the affluence of “nepo babies”, their parents, siblings, and relatives toil as migrant workers in foreign lands and stand on the sidelines of history with pride and pain. Their Gen Z children, siblings, and family members, bold and defiant, have sacrificed their lives and futures on the streets demanding justice and reform. Yet, these parents, who fuel Nepal’s economy with their hard-earned remittances, are denied a voice in shaping the nation their children are dying for.

“I’m so proud that my Gen Z siblings participated in the protest against corruption and poor governance. Although I couldn’t be there, my siblings filled my absence. As a migrant, I share the same concerns and fears about the future, but this Gen Z movement symbolizes hope for the next generation, so that my children can have a future in our homeland,” a fellow migrant worker from the UAE shared her thoughts.

Migrant workers wanted to be there, to stand shoulder to shoulder with their siblings and children, to lend their wisdom and strength to this pivotal moment. However, distance and a system that marginalizes and keeps them chained to their labor abroad prevented them from participating.

These migrant workers are the backbone of Nepal's economy, sending billions in remittances home, keeping households afloat and communities alive. In 2024 alone, remittances accounted for approximately 30% of Nepal's GDP, serving as a lifeline that sustains basic needs, provides foreign currency reserves for imports, and, more importantly, fuels the dreams of millions. Yet, their contributions are reduced to rupees and paisa, while their political agency is stripped away.

Workers are denied the right to vote from abroad, a right that could amplify their voices in this critical juncture. The Supreme Court’s 2018 directive order to the Election Commission to enable diaspora voting offered a glimmer of hope, but that hope now lies buried under the ashes, as the devil got over the non-violent protest and had the key documents destroyed. The proposed idea of having an interim government mandated to hold elections in six months’ time appears ambitious and will certainly cause an apparent delay in its execution. The system has failed them again, and the turn of events put the nail in the coffin.

"Migrant workers have been away from their homes and families, not by choice but by compulsion. During the Gen Z movement, Migrants expressed the pain of being distant and disconnected. They wished they were there marching beside Gen Z, holding their hands, and raising voices. Although they were absent physically, their hearts, souls, and spirits were with the nation. Migrant workers, stand in solidarity and send strength to our Gen Z brothers and sisters—more power to the change makers." - Migrant Rights Activist from Shramik Sanjal.

The guilt these workers carry is palpable. They bless their friends, siblings, and children’s courage from afar, whispering prayers over crackling phone lines, but they feel powerless, tethered to foreign lands by necessity. Each remittance they send is filled with love and sacrifice, but it cannot replace their ballots in the voting booth. They are proud, yet heartbroken, watching their Gen Z children, friends, siblings—vibrant, fearless, and fiercely idealistic—lay down their lives for Nepal for its transformation.

“The Gen Z protest was a powerful reminder of the people’s voice in a democracy. Despite state suppression and the tragic loss of many lives, the movement continued. While raising dissent was necessary, the aggression, destruction of private property, and severe damage to key public institutions, including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, and Parliament, were unfortunate incidents we wish had not taken place.” - Samarpan, a migrant worker from Qatar.

This is not just a policy failure; it is a moral one. Nepali migrant workers deserve more than gratitude for their economic contributions. They deserve a stake in the nation’s future, a right to vote, and a system that honors their sacrifices as much as it celebrates their children's bravery. However, it is uncertain how the situation will unfold. As Nepal stands at this crossroads, let us not forget those who watch from afar, their hearts fixated to home, yearning for a chance to shape the nation they've sustained through their sweat and tears.

To the Nepali Migrant workers abroad, your absence at this moment is not your fault, but a failure of the systems that should serve you. Your siblings, friends, and children’s courage are your legacy, and your contributions are the foundation of Nepal’s resilience. We see you, we hear you, and we must fight for a future where your voice is no longer silenced by distance.

Our heartfelt condolences and commiseration to the brave souls, and we stand in solidarity with this great cause.