Nepalis who have gone abroad for employment, study or other purposes are no longer just a number, they have become a concern. That is, their opinions have become an integral part of the public discourse. Even though they are abroad, they are the main members of the family in Nepal, which has been influencing the opinions set by that family. During elections, even though they cannot vote directly from the country they are in, they have played a role in shaping public opinion. No matter how influential they may seem in an informal way, they are not found involved in the policy-making of the state.

Their collective expectations have not been assessed. However, it is estimated that there are around 4 million Nepalis in the country other than India. Citizens have hoped that a strong government formed after 21 Falgun will establish a position in the country and achieve economic development. In this process, if the government can move forward by incorporating the expectations and experiences of the active population living abroad, there is a greater chance of success.

The economic capacity of the country and the development priorities that have been set cannot immediately create a large number of jobs here, and it is not being done. As a result, half of the five hundred thousand people who enter the labor market every year have chosen or been forced to work abroad. Therefore, those who are currently working abroad are seeking guarantees of security in the labor destination country. For example, Bharat Regmi, a production manager in Kenya, says, ‘This government should ensure the security, rights and welfare of Nepalis who go for foreign employment.’ There are also suggestions that skilled workers should be sent on the government’s initiative by signing labor agreements with various countries. There is also a suggestion that a ‘G2G’ agreement should be made with the destination country to ensure fair wages, insurance, legal protection and a transparent process for the workers. All these suggestions or expectations are linked to the issue of making foreign labor dignified with high income.

When one works or studies abroad for a long time, one naturally acquires skills or knowledge. We do not have the practice of considering and utilizing such skills and knowledge as the capital of the country. If the skills and knowledge acquired through years of hard work could be utilized in the country, it would definitely benefit the society and the country. The suggestion of 36-year-old Rajendra Karki, who is in Malta, is reasonable – ‘The government should introduce a ‘special investment fund’ and incentive-based policy to mobilize the capital, modern skills and experience earned by expatriate Nepalis for the development of Nepal itself.’ Many people feel lonely when they are separated from their families even after their financial status has improved. That is why many people wish to get employment opportunities in the country and be able to work with their families.

There has been talk for a long time about using such skills and knowledge for the development of the country. Every government has made this a topic of speech. But it is not being implemented in a serious and planned manner. Therefore, the current government should not just use it as a topic of speech, but as a vehicle for the development of the country. It is clear that if the state itself has to invest in teaching citizens any skills and knowledge, it will cost a lot. When other countries have already given such an opportunity, the government here should be able to make a strategy to utilize it and take advantage of it.

Another expectation of Nepalis living abroad is also linked to returning home. However, during the years of living abroad, they have become distant from family and social relations. Many feel lonely when they are separated from their families even after their financial status has improved. Therefore, many people feel that they should get employment opportunities in the country and be able to work with their families. Bhola Thapa Chhetri, who is in the UAE, has said, ‘For those who have returned from abroad, an environment should be created where they can work according to their skills, for employment, investment, entrepreneurship, and so on.’ Of course, a strong government should also focus on creating employment. For that, it is necessary to make good use of investment, increase investment in projects that create employment and build capital, attract foreign investment, and encourage the private sector within the country. The essence of the Gen-G movement and the expectation of the citizens’ votes in the elections is that a government should be formed that can provide employment opportunities to citizens within the country. Now that should be reflected in the results.