In brief
As Nepal grapples with its worst unrest in decades, thousands of Nepalese migrants in India, seeking better opportunities, are now returning home. The recent political crisis has confirmed fears and prompted a swift exodus, complicating the lives of those who straddle the two nations for work. The migrants, primarily involved in low-paying jobs, face uncertainty about their future amidst escalating tensions in Nepal.
At a bus stand in the northern Indian city of Lucknow, the anxious faces tell their own story.
Nepalis who once came to India in search of work are now hurrying back across the border, as the nation reels with its worst unrest in decades. We are returning home to our motherland, says one man. We are confused. People are asking us to come back.
Earlier this week, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli quit after 30 died in clashes triggered by a social media ban. While the ban was later reversed, Gen Z-led protests raged on. A nationwide curfew is in place, soldiers patrol the streets, and parliament and politicians' homes have been set ablaze. With Oli gone, Nepal has no government in place.
This political chaos has led many Nepali migrants, such as Saroj Nevarbani, to make the tough choice to return home. There's trouble back home, so I must return. My parents are there - the situation is grave, he told BBC Hindi.
For many, the journey back is not just about wages or work; it intertwines with family ties and the migration patterns that have long been part of Nepali lives.
In general, Nepali migrants in India are categorized into three groups: seasonal workers who retain Nepali citizenship, those who settle with families in India while keeping their citizenship, and Indian citizens of Nepali ethnicity. Many are economically marginalized and work in low-wage jobs across various sectors, constantly moving in and out of India through the open border.
Interestingly, Nepal has high remittance dependency, with figures indicating that remittances accounted for 27-30% of Nepal's GDP in 2024, showcasing the significant economic role that Nepali migrants play in their homeland.
However, the political and social backdrop in Nepal is driving many back home amidst fear and uncertainty. The exodus from India may help alleviate immediate concerns of family safety but raises questions about the future of these migrant workers, especially if instability persists.
