Nepal: immigration

How many refugees are there in Nepal?

Nepal hosted 19,613 refugees and 302 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR’s refugee statistics, almost the same as a year earlier.

Asylum seekers are people whose claims have not yet been decided. UNHCR compiles the figures from government and its own registration data. UNHCR also counted 475 stateless people in Nepal at the end of 2025.

Official sources: UNHCR: Refugee data finder

How many Nepalis live abroad?

The National Statistics Office projects that 2.55 million Nepalis will be living abroad in 2026, according to Nepal in Figures 2026, up from 1.82 million at the 2021 census. It projects 3.16 million by 2031.

The census counts absentees as household members living outside Nepal, mostly for work. Nepal Rastra Bank reports that 78,320 workers received first-time approval for foreign employment between mid-July and mid-September 2026.

Official sources: NSO: Nepal in Figures 2026 (PDF) · Nepal Rastra Bank: Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation, two months of 2026/27 (PDF)

Who handles visas in Nepal?

Visas, visa extensions and entry for foreigners are handled by Nepal's Department of Immigration. Its website could not be reached on 15 October 2026, so current visa fees and rules could not be checked for this answer.

No official statistics on visas issued were found online. Figures on refugees in Nepal are published by UNHCR, and figures on Nepalis abroad by the National Statistics Office.

Official sources: UNHCR: Refugee data finder · NSO: Nepal in Figures 2026 (PDF)

How many immigrants live in Nepal?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Nepal was 1.6%, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 1.8%. South Asia median: 1.6%; Nepal is 4th highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 140th of 193.

What is net migration in Nepal?

In 2025, net migration in Nepal was -364,699, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was 182,203 in 2019 and the low -409,782 in 2023. Across South Asia the middle value was -197,712, and Nepal placed 4th highest of 6. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 190th highest.

How many refugees are in Nepal?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Nepal was 19,613, according to UNHCR. Since 2005 it has ranged from 19,555 (2020) to 130,678 (2007). Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 84th highest.

How many refugees have fled Nepal?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Nepal was 8,019, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 9,051; its low point was 2005, at 2,061. Across South Asia the middle value was 19,940, and Nepal placed 4th highest of 6. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 66th highest.

How much are remittances to Nepal?

32.3% of GDP: that is personal remittances received in Nepal for 2025, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across South Asia the middle value was 7.4% of GDP, and Nepal placed 1st highest of 5. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 3rd highest.