From Remittance to Resilience

Foreign employment has become far more than a source of income for Nepal. It has reshaped the country's social fabric, aspirations and way of life. The migration of millions of young Nepalis reflects both the lack of opportunities at home and the possibilities created by globalisation. More importantly, it has enabled workers to acquire skills, discipline and experience that can become valuable assets if properly utilised upon their return. The story of Tej Bahadur Gharti Magar from Baglung illustrates this potential. After spending 16 years working in the Gulf, he returned home and started a goat farming business. What began with just eight goats has grown into a commercial enterprise with more than 150 animals. He has modernised his livestock sheds, cultivated fodder on previously barren land and adopted a market-oriented approach. At a time when many villages are losing their young population despite improvements in infrastructure, his efforts have helped revive his community. His success demonstrates that determination, combined with the right opportunities, can create prosperity at home. Many returning migrant workers share similar experiences. Years of working overseas teach them more than how to earn money. They develop a strong work ethic, discipline, time management skills and the ability to take calculated risks. Yet Nepal has largely failed to harness this valuable human capital.