International migration in Nepal is highly dependent on wealth and social standing, with well off Bagmati and Gandaki provinces contributing migrants typically to high-cost/high-return destinations like Wealthy Western, Asia, and Pacific (WWAP) destinations, medium wealth provinces like Koshi and Madhesh contributing migrants to medium-cost/medium-return Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Malaysia, and the poorer provinces of Kamali and Sudurpashchim contributing migrants predominantly to low-cost/low-return India. The increase in average wages of migrants can be accounted for by an increase of 9.3% in the share of migrants to WWAP destinations between 2021 and 2022 (Dongol et. al., 2025). That said, international migration is predominantly low-skilled migration to fill demand in countries such as India, GCC countries, and Malaysia.

Dongol, P., Etang Ndip, A., Joshi, N. K., Mijiyawa, A. G., Phadera, L., & Sapkota, S. (2025). Nepal Development Update : International Migration and Well-being in Nepal (English). Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group. Available at: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099439009302442870/pdf/IDU-bade7473-0f41-4499-a576-83a9a3eb57d4.pdf (accessed 03/11/25).