KATHMANDU: In a single month, 72,861 Nepalis left the country for foreign employment, according to the Department of Foreign Employment.

In Jestha (May 14 and June 14), a total of 64,886 men and 7,975 women went abroad for work.

Dhanusha district topped the list of districts with the highest number of workers going abroad, with 4,248 individuals leaving during this period.

Among those who left for employment, 24,812 were individuals who had previously worked abroad and were returning for another stint.

Additionally, 870 individuals secured employment abroad through government programs such as those in Korea.

The department reported that 11,172 people traveled abroad on personal visas, while 36,007 went through manpower agencies.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the most popular destination, with 20,424 Nepalis leaving for the UAE in the month of Jestha alone.