Europe emerging as popular labor destination for Nepalis

Europe is emerging as a promising destination for Nepali migrant workers, with countries like Romania, Croatia, Malta, Cyprus and Portugal becoming popular choices for employment. This shift marks a notable change in Nepal’s labor migration trend, which for decades was dominated by destinations in the Gulf and Malaysia.

According to data from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), the number of Nepalis leaving for employment in European nations surged by 46 percent during the first eight months of the current fiscal year 2024/25. A total of 34,366 individuals obtained labor permits to work in Europe during this period, compared to 23,510 in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

This figure includes only those who obtained formal labor approvals. Recruitment agencies say that the actual number could be significantly higher, as many Nepalis travel to Europe on visit visas and then secure jobs informally. These cases are harder to track but are increasingly common.

One of the main reasons behind this shift is the appeal of better salaries, safer and more worker-friendly labor laws, and milder climates compared to traditional labor destinations in the Middle East. European jobs are often seen as more dignified in Nepal, with structured working conditions and legal protections that are often lacking in Gulf countries.

Romania has emerged as the most popular European destination for Nepali workers. The number of Nepalis receiving labor approvals for Romania jumped by an impressive 136.34 percent, reaching 17,830 in just eight months. As a developing country with a high-income economy, Romania has growing demand for labor in sectors like agriculture, where many Nepalis are employed.

Significant growth was also observed in the number of workers heading to Portugal, Croatia, and Cyprus. However, the number of Nepali workers leaving for Malta fell by nearly a half during the same period.

According to recruitment companies, the flow of Nepali workers to Europe has grown steadily over the past three years, with around 11 percent of all Nepali migrant workers now heading to European countries.

In recent years, countries like the UK and Germany have shown increasing interest in hiring Nepali workers. The UK has already begun recruiting nurses from Nepal, and Germany has signed a labor memorandum of understanding to bring in both skilled and unskilled labor. However, language requirements—particularly the need to learn German—have slowed the pace of labor migration to Germany for now.

Apple to ship more iPhones from India as Trump's China tariffs cause worst 3-day rout in 25 years

Apple is shifting more of its iPhone shipments to the US from India in an effort to navigate the financial shockwaves caused by a fresh round of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

The computer giant's stock has dropped 19% in three trading days, the largest decline in over 25 years, due to investor concern about rising costs from new tariffs on Chinese imports, according to Firstpost.

With tariffs of up to 54% on Chinese shipments, Apple has turned to India, where the equivalent rate is 26%. The move is intended as a short-term hedge while Apple seeks tariff exemptions, but the company has not yet overhauled its China-centric manufacturing network, which is still critical to its worldwide supply chain, Firstpost reported.

 

Monarchy will not be restored as it already lost legitimacy: Nepal

CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has said the legitimacy and relevance of the monarchy have already ended in the country.

Talking to media persons at Biratnagar Airport today, he argued that there would be no restoration of monarchy, as it already lost legitimacy.  "All must be free from daydreaming restoration of monarchy," he underlined.

The former Prime Minister made it clear that the federal democratic republic was adopted in the country after forging consensus with former king Gyanendra.

On a different note, Chair Nepal opined that it was necessary to amend the Constitution to resolve problems facing the country.

He ruled out the possibility of unity with CPN-UML in sight.

 

Gold price drops by Rs 400 per tola on Tuesday

The price of gold has continued to drop in the domestic market.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal has dropped by Rs 400 and is being traded at Rs 173, 400 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 173, 800 per tola on Monday.

The price of gold, which dropped by Rs 1, 900 per tola on Sunday, fell by Rs 700 per tola on Monday.

On Friday, the last trading of the week, the price of gold dropped by Rs 3, 900 per tola.

On April 13, gold hit a record high of Rs 180, 300 per tola.  

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 830 per tola today.

South Korea confirms presidential election on June 3

South Korea will hold a presidential election on 3 June, the country’s acting president said on Tuesday, after predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and removed from office over a disastrous declaration of martial law.

The day would be designated as a temporary public holiday to facilitate voting, Reuters reported.

The constitutional court dismissed Yoon for breaking his official duty by issuing a martial law declaration on December 3rd and mobilizing troops to disrupt legislative sessions.

The law requires a new presidential election within 60 days if the position becomes vacant.

South Korea has been in political instability for months since Yoon intrigued the country by proclaiming martial law, resulting in his impeachment by parliament and the impeachment of prime minister Han Duck-soo, who is also acting president, according to Reuters.

The constitutional court overturned Han's impeachment, and he will continue to serve as acting president until the election.

 

Bindabasini Music Awards announces top nominees

The 15th Bindabasini Music Awards 2081 has announced its top five nominations across various categories, honoring excellence in Nepali music. In the Best Lok Dohori Singer (Male) category, the nominees are Kushal Belbase for Feriyau Mayalu, Arjun Sapkota for Basyau Alakkai, Subash Khatri for Timrai Maya Chha, Chetan Gautam for Haseko Photo, and Mahesh Kumar for Badhai Chha Baimani. Similarly, the Best Lok Dohori Song category includes Kanya Rashi by Narayan Gyawali, Feriyau Mayalu by Shiva Subedi, Dukha Satamla by Santosh Sapkota, Ma Ta Marne Ho by Anish Dhawadi, and Hiyarai by Binod Bajurali.

In the Best Lok Dohori Music category, Prasad Lamichhane’s Bhagyama Rahechha, Arjun Sapkota’s Basyau Alakkai, Mukunda Poudel’s Hulaki, Khem Pun’s Marne Sui Laideu, and Khem Century’s Tallo Bato have made it to the nominations list. Likewise, the Best Modern Music category features Chhau Ni Timi Aaha by Shreedhar Adhikari, Yeuta Majhi by Saroj Koirala, Yo Chhoto Jindagi by Dipakraj Bishwakarma, Ma Kholiko Bagar by CL Sharma, and Rimai Sailee by Nayan Sharma.

In addition to celebrating new and popular talents, the awards also recognize individuals who have made lifelong contributions to Nepali music and culture. This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Rajendra Thapa. Sangeeta Shakya will receive the Sangeet Sadhana Samman, Shirish Devkota will be honored with the Jhalakman Lok Sangeet Samman, Nisha Deshar will be recognized with the Premdhoj Sangeet Ratna Samman, and Sharada Thapa will be awarded the Kala Patrakarita Samman. The Bindabasini Music Awards continue to stand as a prestigious platform that uplifts and honors the rich musical heritage of Nepal.

Third edition of 'Edu-Tech-ing Tomorrow’ conference held

Kids of Kathmandu in collaboration with e-Education and JICA successfully hosted the third edition of the ‘Edu-Tech-ing Tomorrow’ conference, focusing on the future of technology in education.null

Addressing the event, Babu Ram Gole, Executive Director of Kids of Kathmandu, emphasized the current status of ICT integration in Nepal’s education system.

Highlighting the growing concern over the digital divide and the emerging threat of an AI divide, he stresses on the crucial role of teachers in ICT integration.

Gole also acknowledged the dedication of educators while expressing gratitude to all participants for their active involvement in the conference.

A panel discussion on the theme of “ICT Integration in Education” was moderated by Sabika Shrestha.
Chandra Kanta Bhushal, Deputy Director General, CEHRD, Associated Prof. Dr Shesh Kanta Pangeni, Head of Educational Leadership, Kathmandu University, Janardan Rijal, Head of Education Department, DakshinkaliMunicipality
Kaito Miwa, CEO of e-Education, had served as panelists.

The  need for a structured ICT facilitator system to ensure effective implementation of technology in schools, and the importance of blended training programs for teachers were the key takeaways from the discussion.

Though many schools have recognized the importance of ICT in education, it has not come into implementation.

Simply having access to technology is not enough–teachers must be equipped with the skills and confidence to integrate digital tools into their teaching practices effectively. The presence of ICT in education allows for new ways of learning for students and teachers.

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E-learning or online learning is becoming increasingly popular and with various unprecedented events taking place in our lives, this does not only open opportunities for schools to ensure that students have access to curriculum materials whilst in the classroom but also allows them to ensure students outside the classroom such as at home or even in hospitals can learn.

On the occasion, Kaito Miwa committed to expanding the project across Bagmati Province, while Dr Pangeni underscored the need for nationwide implementation. Bhushal assured the panel that ICT integration would be given priority at the policy level.

The event marked another significant step towards a more tech-integrated educational future for Nepal

Nepse plunges by 32. 45 points on Monday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 32. 45 points to close at 2, 670.94 points on Monday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 3. 85 points to close at 446. 23 points.

A total of 10,014,866-unit shares of 322 companies were traded for Rs 5. 65 billion.

Meanwhile, Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) was the top gainer today with their price surging by 6. 75 percent. Likewise, Himalayan Power Partner Ltd. (HPPL) the top loser with its price dropped by 5. 35 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 43 trillion.