Nepalese seek work overseas

After youth protests over corruption and joblessness toppled Nepal’s parliament and left dozens dead, villagers like Santosh Sunar see their own struggles reflected in the nation's turmoil.

- 

The 31 year old is jobless and desperately seeking work, yet he dreads the day he finds it - knowing it will likely mean splitting his family further, leaving his daughter with his mother, with his wife already abroad.

“There are no opportunities even after education,” said Santosh, who lives in the rural settlement of Pharping, on the outskirts of the capital Kathmandu.

He is far from alone.

A “staggering” 82% of Nepal’s workforce is in informal employment, one in five Nepalis aged 15-24 are jobless, according to the World Bank.

With few prospects at home, where GDP per capita is only $1 447 (about R25 000), millions of Nepalis look abroad.