More than 175,000 Nepalis in Kuwait in 2025

2026-02-20 - 14:16

By Raj Malla Special to The Times Kuwait Kuwait has long been a country of hope for many Nepalis seeking work and a stable income. Driven by poverty back home, debt, and the responsibility of supporting families, the number of Nepalis coming to Kuwait continues to rise every year. In 2025, more than 175,000 Nepalis are living and working in Kuwait. Many of them are domestic workers. Although the Government of Nepal has banned sending domestic workers abroad, the flow has not stopped. Many arrive through unsafe channels and later face legal trouble and exploitation after reaching Kuwait. Nepali workers are employed in construction, cleaning services, hotels, grocery shops, security, salons, and as drivers. From early morning until late evening, they work long hours so their families can survive back home. Even a salary of around 75 dinars feels worth the struggle for many, because it supports parents, spouses, and children in Nepal. But the reality is tough. Working hours are long, rest is limited, and wages are sometimes delayed or lower than promised. Many feel they have no option but to stay silent and endure. Back in Nepal, agents lure workers with promises like “free visa, free ticket” and claim only a small service fee is needed. But by the time workers reach Kuwait, many have already spent more than NPR 300,000. Some pay for their own tickets, while others hand over extra money to brokers for visas and documents. After arrival, the promised job or salary often turns out to be different, or workers are left waiting for months without proper work. For those who come with loans, the pressure becomes unbearable. The situation of Nepali women working as domestic helpers is even more painful. Language barriers, restricted movement, unclear working hours, and cases of humiliation or abuse are commonly reported. When problems arise and they try to escape, fear of legal trouble stops many from seeking help. There have also been cases where people pretend to “rescue” workers, keep them for some time, send them to other houses for work, and finally drop them at the Nepali embassy. Such practices only worsen the victims’ situation instead of solving their problems. In 2025, 95 Nepalis lost their lives in Kuwait. Some died of heart attacks, some from natural causes, others from alcohol poisoning, and a few by suicide. Long working hours, loneliness at night, family worries, and financial pressure exhaust both body and mind. This mental strain pushes some toward alcohol and drugs, often with tragic consequences. Kuwait’s laws are strict. Even small mistakes can lead to serious punishment. Overstaying visas, working illegally, getting into fights, or involvement with drugs can result in jail. By December 2025, 59 Nepalis were in Kuwaiti prisons. This number itself is a warning. Living in Kuwait without understanding the law means putting your life at risk. All of this points to one clear message: awareness is the biggest need for Nepalis in Kuwait today. Staying away from drugs and alcohol, carefully reading labor contracts before starting work, and keeping visas and legal documents updated can save lives. When problems arise, hiding them only makes things worse. Talking to trusted friends or community organizations can help. In serious cases, contacting the Embassy of Nepal in Kuwait without delay is crucial. Many workers’ situations have improved because they reached the right place at the right time. Kuwait has given opportunities to many Nepalis. There are stories of people who built homes, educated their children, and secured their families’ futures through hard work here. But opportunity does not automatically mean safety. Without awareness, discipline, and mutual support, life in Kuwait is not easy. Kuwait is not just a place to earn money. It is also a place where one must learn how to survive safely.