Chinese nationals top list of foreigners with labor permits in Nepal

Chinese nationals make up the largest group of foreigners taking labor permits to work in Nepal. According to data from the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety, Chinese nationals accounted for about 66 percent of foreigners granted permits in fiscal year 2082/83.

The department says about 2,400 people from 65 countries took permits that year, of whom nearly 1,600 were Chinese. Britain ranked second, the United States third and South Korea fourth, with about 96, 91 and 87 permit holders respectively. Japan had about 70 and India about 65.

Most permit holders are men. According to Director General Chakrapani Pandey, many Chinese nationals have come because Chinese companies are involved in hydropower projects and tunnel construction. He said language teachers, doctors, engineers and volunteers also take permits.

Migration expert Jeevan Baniya said the real number of Indians working in Nepal is likely higher than recorded, since bilateral treaties do not require Indians to obtain permits. He said it has long been common practice for Chinese contractors to house their own workers in camps on bridges, roads and other projects they invest in. He suggested foreign companies may prefer workers from their own countries partly because Nepali workers are more likely to organize and demand their rights.