Story perspectives
UAE Surpasses Saudi Arabia for Nepali Migrant Workers
10/4/2025
1 of 1
Story summary
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) overtook Saudi Arabia as the destination for Nepali migrants in 2025/26, with 17,779 new workers.
- Saudi Arabia had 5,900 workers (13.3%), down 14.5% from the prior year.
- Qatar had 4,411 workers (9.9%), and led renewals with 7,673 (32.5%).
- Japan and Cyprus emerge; Japan up 50.6%.
- Experts warn Nepal's heavy Gulf reliance risks policy changes.
