Money and Economy – QR Code

Record Number of Nepali Youths Go Abroad for Work

Kathmandu - More than 771,000 Nepali youths went abroad for foreign employment in the fiscal year 2022/23, as labour permits were approved in the highest number to date.

According to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), the department verified a total of 609,705 youths in 2023-24 for foreign jobs. The favourite destinations for Nepali youth are the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and South Korea.

Among the Gulf countries, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains the top destination for employment.

Officials say that a lack of job opportunities and low wages at home keep pushing young people to seek work in other countries. Experts have warned that the growing outflow of young people may affect the country's workforce, and they call for more employment opportunities inside Nepal.

Ilam's Herbal Oils Hit French Market

Ilam - Herbal oils produced in Ilam are now finding customers in France, which has become their primary international market.

The oils are made from local herbs and are in high demand. The price varies according to the herbs used. Buyers value the oils for their many health benefits. They are used in the treatment of colds and sore throats, and for muscle pains, and are especially popular among people with back and joint pains.

The business is also supporting local farmers, who now get a reliable market for the herbs they grow. Local entrepreneurs say that the trade has brought economic benefits to the whole region, creating jobs and increasing income.

Experts say that with proper quality control and promotion, Ilam's herbal products have a good chance of reaching other international markets as well.

Kathmandu-16, Thamel 25 March 2025

The Editor The Annapurna Post Kathmandu

Subject: QR code payment system in Nepal

Sir,

Through your newspaper, I would like to share my views on the QR code payment system, which many shops and business houses in our cities have started to adopt.

The trend is growing fast. Today, we can pay for groceries, restaurant bills, taxi fares and even street food by scanning a code with a mobile phone. It is quick, safe from theft and avoids the need to carry cash.

However, there are challenges. Many people in villages and older customers do not know how to use it. Poor internet connection, transaction failures and fear of fraud discourage users, and some shops charge extra fees.

To make it easier, the government and banks should run awareness programmes and offer simple apps in Nepali. Internet service must be improved, and customer complaints should be handled quickly. Small businesses should receive incentives.

With such steps, digital payment can become a part of everyday life in Nepal.

Yours faithfully, Prakash Adhikari