Record year for remittance: Nepalis abroad sent home Rs 2,363 billion
Remittance grew 37.1 percent in fiscal year 2025/26, according to Nepal Rastra Bank. Here is what the numbers say and how to make sure your money arrives safely.
Every month, Nepalis working in the Gulf, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Europe and beyond send home a little of what they earn. Added together, last year that became the biggest number on record.
The headline numbers
According to Nepal Rastra Bank:
- Remittance in fiscal year 2025/26 reached Rs 2,363.13 billion, up 37.1 percent on the year before.
- In US dollars, that is about $16.19 billion, up 28.1 percent.
- The final month of the year alone brought in Rs 242.33 billion.
- The new fiscal year started strongly too: Rs 215.05 billion arrived in the first month, up 21.2 percent.
Foreign exchange reserves stood at $25.84 billion, enough to cover about 21.8 months of goods imports.
Where it comes from
Behind these numbers are hundreds of thousands of workers. During the same year, 385,783 workers received re-entry labour permits to return to jobs abroad. Malaysia, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia remain the biggest destinations, while Europe is growing fast. Romania alone accounted for 22,266 permits.
Send it the safe way
Money sent through banks, licensed remittance companies and approved digital wallets is protected and counted in these figures. Informal hundi channels may look cheaper, but if something goes wrong there is nobody to complain to, and you risk breaking the law in both countries.
- Compare the exchange rate and the fee together. A low fee with a poor rate can cost more.
- Keep every receipt and transaction number until your family confirms the money has arrived.
- Some licensed partners can now send money directly into a family member’s eSewa wallet. Ask your remittance company whether it is an authorised partner.
The money you send keeps families, schools and village shops going. It deserves to travel safely.
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