KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has cautioned against choosing the wrong path to go abroad, saying it is not appropriate to leave agricultural fields behind and risk deportation by taking illegal and unsafe routes.
Speaking during a direct question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Oli addressed a query from UML lawmaker Bhagwati Chaudhary, highlighting the need for awareness among young people.
“There is a question of going abroad in large numbers, leaving fields to produce and going abroad, going to America illegally and coming back as deportees is not appropriate,” said Prime Minister Oli. “There is a lack of awareness, and it is necessary to increase awareness. An attempt is being made to create a narrative that nothing has happened, which has spread a sense of despair in young minds.”
Acknowledging the global trend of mobility, Oli stated that migration for business, employment, and studies is a common phenomenon even in developed countries. He cautioned against interpreting youth migration solely as a negative trend and noted that the idea of going abroad being seen as both a matter of pride and a social issue sends a conflicting message.
“The fact that young people are leaving the country should not be understood in a completely negative way,” said Oli. “Yesterday, there were limited options for livelihood; today, there are many options. Our youth have also taken advantage of the choice to go to any corner of the world.”
Oli said the government is focused on creating entrepreneurship and employment opportunities within the country, making the industrial investment environment more business-friendly, and encouraging both domestic and foreign investments to boost production and productivity.
He also mentioned that policy and legal reforms are underway to reduce the trade deficit by managing imports and promoting exports, with the aim of creating a conducive environment for businesses and generating employment for the youth.
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