KATHMANDU: Nepali migrant workers are facing a difficult choice between personal safety and economic survival as tensions escalate across West Asia, with many continuing to travel abroad despite growing risks.
For 27-year-old Liwek Mahat from Butwal, the decision is clear. Despite warnings from friends not to return to Qatar amid rising conflict, he is preparing to leave again after two earlier travel cancellations.
“I was told not to go, but I fear losing my job,” Mahat said. “What option do I have if I stay here without income?”
Mahat, who works as a hotel chef earning around Rs 200,000 per month, returned home briefly before the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensified. Though initially fearful, he said he could not afford to lose the only reliable source of income supporting his family.
Like many others, he believes working abroad remains the only viable option for financial stability, as opportunities at home offer little savings despite hard work.
Workers compelled to take risks
The dilemma is widespread. While some workers in Nepal are preparing to return abroad, others already in the Gulf are increasingly anxious and looking for ways to come home.
Surbir Lama, employed as a security guard in Qatar, has long wanted to return, but financial constraints have made that impossible, according to his wife Ruma Lama, who lives in Kathmandu with their children.
“If he returns, how will we manage expenses?” she said, pointing to the costs of education and their plan to build a house.
Similarly, Bishal Gaire, who has worked in Saudi Arabia for 12 years, said the uncertainty surrounding labor approvals had added to his anxiety.
“There is fear on both sides — fear for life if we go, and fear of not being able to support family if we stay,” he said.
Mixed signals as approvals reopen
The government had earlier suspended labor approvals for several West Asian countries due to security concerns amid the conflict.
However, with mounting pressure from workers, authorities have partially resumed approvals for select countries, allowing those on leave in Nepal to return to jobs abroad.
Officials say between 1,000 and 1,100 workers are now seeking labor approvals daily through online systems.
According to the Department of Foreign Employment Nepal, approvals have resumed for countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Jordan and Turkey.
However, approvals remain suspended for destinations such as Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Lebanon.
Safety versus survival
Industry experts say the situation reflects a broader challenge for migrant workers caught between safety risks and economic necessity.
Sujit Shrestha, a senior vice president of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies, said both safe employment and the right to work must be balanced during such crises.
“The government must ensure security while also protecting workers’ right to employment,” he said.
Officials from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security said the decision to reopen approvals for certain countries was aimed at addressing the concerns of workers who risk losing jobs if they fail to return on time.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Nepali workers in conflict-affected regions to avoid unnecessary travel and remain where they are unless absolutely required.
As uncertainty persists, thousands of Nepali workers continue to navigate the difficult balance between earning a livelihood and ensuring their safety in an increasingly volatile region.
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