Youth Migration, Economic Frustration, and Governance Challenges in Nepal
Introduction Nepal faces a complex interplay of economic stagnation, political instability, and social discontent, with youth migration emerging as both a symptom and a driver of these challenges. Remittances from migrant workers contribute over 25% of the country’s GDP, offering critical lifelines for households but masking deeper structural weaknesses. Despite short-term financial benefits, reliance on migration has intensified youth frustration, unemployment, and protests demanding accountability. Economic Dependence on Remittances Remittances have grown steadily in recent years, increasing from NPR 10.7 billion in 2021/22 to NPR 12.2 billion in 2022/23 (Nepal Ministry of Finance, 2023). While this inflow sustains household consumption, it conceals underlying issues such as limited domestic job creation, weak investment climates, and widespread corruption. Heavy dependence on remittances also leaves households vulnerable to global...