Last year, almost 1,300 Nepali workers died abroad, with suicide as the third leading cause of death. Factors such as unmet expectations, family separation, and inadequate support from employers in labour destination countries contribute to this crisis.
Remittances are crucial to Nepal’s economy, contributing significantly to its financial stability. However, a distressing issue has emerged alongside this financial benefit: the high suicide rate among Nepali youth working abroad. With over 90,3 million Euros in remittances received last financial year, the harsh reality is that many Nepali workers abroad are tragically taking their own lives, making suicide the third leading cause of death among this demographic.
The financial benefits of remittances are clear, but the human cost is significant. Last year alone, 1,273 bodies of Nepali workers were repatriated, highlighting a troubling trend. On average, this translates to roughly four Nepali workers dying every day while employed abroad. Among these deaths, suicide has become a notable issue, with 147 Nepali workers taking their lives in the past financial year alone.
Improved mental health support
The Foreign Employment Board’s statistics reveal a sobering picture. Diseases accounted for 364 deaths, while 287 were classified as natural deaths. Suicide was the third most common cause of death, with 465 suicides recorded over the past four years.
Dr. Sanjay Dharel, a physician at Bir Hospital who provides telemedicine counselling to these workers, emphasises the urgent need for improved mental health support.
Several factors contribute to the high suicide rate among Nepali youth working abroad. Many workers face a significant gap between their expectations of a better life and the harsh realities they encounter. This disparity often leads to severe mental stress. Additionally, the isolation from family can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression. Some individuals arrive abroad already struggling with mental health issues, which can worsen due to the stressful conditions of their work environment.
The lack of adequate employer support in Qatar, UAE, and Malaysia further compounds the problem. Nepali workers often face heavy workloads, long hours in extreme conditions, poor living accommodations, and minimal attention to their health and safety. Tikaram Dhakal, Information Officer of the Foreign Employment Board, acknowledges that while the board has not conducted a detailed study on the causes of these suicides, it is implementing preventive measures.
The harsh reality is that many Nepali workers abroad are tragically taking their own lives, with 147 suicides in the past financial year alone.
Free psychological counselling
Efforts to address this mental health crisis are underway. In collaboration with the Foreign Employment Board, Veer Hospital has launched a telemedicine service to support workers experiencing mental health issues. This service offers free psychological counselling through WhatsApp, Viber, and IMO and regular follow-ups to ensure continuous care. Additionally, the initiative facilitates prescription support, coordinating with Nepal to provide
necessary medications. Dr. Dharel notes that telemedicine has shown positive results, helping to improve the conditions of some Nepali workers.
A multifaceted approach is required to tackle the issue effectively. Enhanced pre-departure counselling could help identify and address potential mental health issues before workers leave Nepal. Employers in labour destination countries should be required to provide better living conditions and mental health support. Moreover, effective awareness programs are needed to prepare workers for the realities of their job roles and living conditions abroad.
Basyal emphasises that while some measures are in place, more robust and effective strategies are necessary to prevent suicides among Nepali workers abroad. The high suicide rates among Nepali youth abroad highlight the need for improved mental health support and preventive measures.
Efforts like Bir Hospital’s telemedicine service offer crucial psychological support, but better pre-departure counselling and improved employer support are needed to address the issue effectively. Immediate help is available through Bir Hospital’s counselling services.
As Nepal continues to depend heavily on remittances, both the Nepali government and foreign employers must address the mental health challenges faced by these workers.
Savyata Adhikari is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.
For immediate support, Nepali workers can contact Bir Hospital for free psychological counselling at +9779851345701 or +9779851345702 or via WhatsApp, Viber, and IMO.
