Political instability in Nepal is prompting Nepali migrant workers in India to return home, driven by concerns for family safety and overall uncertainty. The recent unrest, triggered by a social media ban and the subsequent resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli after clashes that resulted in fatalities, has fueled anxieties among Nepalis working in India.
At a bus stand in Lucknow, the sense of urgency is palpable as Nepalis express their desire to return to their "motherland" amidst the confusion. For many, the decision is rooted in familial obligations and a deep-seated need to be with loved ones during these turbulent times. As one migrant worker, Saroj Nevarbani, stated, "There's trouble back home, so I must return. My parents are there - the situation is grave". Others, like Pesal and Lakshman Bhatt, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the requests from family members to come back.
The return journey is laden with worries about wages, employment, and the disruption of established migration patterns. Nepali migrants in India typically fall into three categories: seasonal workers who maintain Nepali citizenship and frequently cross the border for work, those who have settled in India with their families while retaining ties to Nepal, and Indian citizens of Nepali descent. The current situation is primarily impacting the first group, the seasonal migrant workers, who often lack access to basic services and identification like India's Aadhaar card.
The unrest in Nepal stems from a complex interplay of factors. While the immediate trigger was the social media ban, deeper issues of political corruption, unemployment, and a lack of opportunities for educated youth have contributed to the crisis. Migrants in Bengaluru revealed that the protests were a long time coming, citing years of politicians prospering at the expense of ordinary citizens. Many educated Nepali youths are forced to seek work in India and other countries, often taking on menial jobs to support their families back home.
The impact of the turmoil extends beyond individual migrants and their families. Financial disruptions are being felt across Nepal, with remittances from workers in India failing to reach beneficiaries due to downed servers at the Nepal Rastra Bank. This disruption adds another layer of hardship for families who rely on these funds.
In response to the situation, authorities in India are closely monitoring the border with Nepal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal has stated her commitment to ensuring peace in the border areas and has offered assistance to Indian tourists stranded in Nepal. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is also maintaining a high alert along the border in the Darjeeling district.
The current wave of return migration underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Nepali migrant workers in India and the close links between political stability in Nepal and the livelihoods of its citizens working abroad. While Nepal has experienced political and social transformations, the economic conditions that drive migration have persisted. The situation highlights the need for long-term solutions that address the root causes of migration and provide greater economic opportunities for Nepalis within their own country.
