Jump to content Jump to footer
South AsiaNepal

More than Return: New Perspectives for Nepali Labour Migrants

Hundreds of thousands of Nepalis work abroad or migrate seasonally within the country in search of work. Return often doesn't mean a fresh start — but new uncertainty. Together with our partner organisation FORWARD, we support migrants and their families on the path to a self-determined future.

A group of people is standing together. They are holding a banner.
Migration shapes entire communities. We work to ensure that bonds hold even when family members are far away or return home.

Nepal is one of the countries with the highest share of labour migrants worldwide. Many leave their homes to find work in the Gulf States, Malaysia or India — others migrate seasonally within Nepal to cities or agricultural regions. But whether far or near: those who return often face nothing. Savings are spent, qualifications go unrecognised locally, and mental health struggles go untreated. At the same time, there is a lack of reliable information about rights, safe migration routes and available support.

Together with our partner organisation FORWARD, this is exactly where we step in: we strengthen community structures, improve access to support services and work to ensure that the protection of migrants — whether international or seasonal — is embedded in local development planning.

How we work

Through local Migration Information Centres (MICs), migrants receive reliable information about their rights and safe migration routes. Self-help groups and psychosocial counselling help rebuild social networks. Economic support measures — from agricultural training to micro-enterprises — create income opportunities that also benefit seasonal migrants. Targeted advocacy work ensures that the concerns of all migrants are heard at municipal and national level.

Projectinfo

Place/Region Ichhakamana Municipality in Chitwan District, Bagmati Province
Partner Forum for Rural Welfare & Agricultural Reform for Development (FORWARD)
Activities
  • Establish local self-help groups and youth organisations within communities
  • Promote economic reintegration through agricultural training, micro-enterprises and value chains
  • Ensure access to reliable migration information through local Migration Information Centres (MICs)
  • Provide psychosocial support for returnees and their families
  • Raise awareness among and engage local and municipal decision-makers on the protection of migrants
Duration January 2026 - December 2028
Budget 331.500 Euro
Sponsor Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

You might also be interested in

Two children are walking on a plantation
South AsiaIndia

Sustainable agriculture for improved food security in India

Climate change, extreme weather events and food insecurity – many families in Odisha, India, are struggling to survive. Together with the Madhyam Foundation, we are supporting them with sustainable farming methods, better water resources and new income opportunities.

more information
A woman in a small shop.
South AsiaBangladesh

Together Against Exploitation: Promoting Safe Migration in Bangladesh

Gaibandha is one of the regions in Bangladesh from which a large number of people leave in search of work and safety. However, safe migration and dignified returns are not guaranteed. In partnership with GUK, we are working to ensure migrants and their families receive better protection and support.

more information
The picture shows a group of people walking together and holding demonstration posters.
South AsiaBangladesh

Securing Food, Preventing Disasters

In the Gaibandha district of northern Bangladesh, floods, heatwaves and riverbank erosion pose a constant threat to the livelihoods of many people year after year. Crops are destroyed, homes are damaged and roads become impassable. The consequences are hunger and poverty. That is why, together with our local partner organisation, Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), we are specifically strengthening disaster preparedness and food security on the ground.

more information
X

Cookie consent

AWO International e.V. uses cookies to ensure the smooth functioning of our platform (technically necessary cookies). In addition, we ask for your consent to the use of cookies for analysis purposes and improvement of the platform (statistical cookies).