Nepali Youth Seek Opportunities at Home

 – Pramila Bhandari & Sabika Shrestha

There is no shortage of meetings, seminar and workshops advocating youths and their issues in Nepal.

As country marks International youth day, increasing youth participation in policy formulation and implementation, and promoting youth partnership and investment is at the center of every discussion.

However, an increasing number of Nepali youths are leaving the country in search of opportunities every year.

Against the desire to do something in the country, many say they are compelled to go abroad due to a lack of employment opportunities.

In the last fiscal year alone, 792,000 Nepalis obtained labour approval to work abroad.

Although successive governments mention job creation, skill development and entrepreneurship as priorities to retain young people in the country, youths say there is a gap between government statements and action.

Other side of the story is of the youths who have tried to pursue entrepreneurship in the country.

Most of them are also dissatisfied due to a lack of environment more than anything.

Top of the list are lack of access to government incentives, limited market and administrative hassles.

Meanwhile, youths complain that training provided by various federal and provincial ministries, local governments and the National Youth Council is often geared more toward sending young people abroad than encouraging them to start new enterprises.

“If leadership is driven by the youth, we don’t even need to go abroad. We can accomplish things right here in Nepal. What I would like to request from the Government of Nepal is to create opportunities and make arrangements for young people right here in Nepal,” said a Nepali youth.

Young people are considered a key foundation for the country’s development and prosperity.

According to the 2021 National Census, the population aged 16 to 40 stands at 12,412,173, or 42.56 percent of the total population.

However, as adequate programs have not been introduced at the government level to encourage this group and create opportunities and a dignified future for them within the country.