Nepal Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Nepal's net migration was -364,699 in 2025, ranked 4th globally. This represents a 9.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Nepal's net migration stood at -364,699 in 2025, a rise of +36,583 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -588,425 by 2026. Nepal ranked 4th globally.
Net migration in Nepal has swung dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a modest outflow of –13,223.00 in 1960 to a historic inflow of 182,203.00 in 2019, the only positive peak recorded. The subsequent reversal produced the all‑time trough of –409,782.00 in 2023, and the latest 2025 figure of –364,699.00 places Nepal fourth globally in net outmigration, closely trailing Bangladesh’s –402,100.00 and ahead of Germany’s –334,072.00. The sharp post‑2019 decline reflects heightened labor‑search migration, constrained domestic employment, and the lingering impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic on remittance channels. While the 2025 outflow remains sizable, it is a modest improvement from the 2023 trough, suggesting a tentative stabilization. Continued investment in domestic job creation and targeted diaspora engagement could further temper the outflow and potentially reverse the long‑term negative trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -790,697 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -689,561 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -588,425 | - | - |
| 2025 | -364,699 | +36,583 | #4 |
| 2024 | -401,282 | +8,500 | #5 |
| 2023 | -409,782 | −30,461 | #6 |
| 2022 | -379,321 | −509,322 | #6 |
| 2021 | 130,001 | −32,138 | #201 |
| 2020 | 162,139 | −20,064 | #207 |
| 2019 | 182,203 | +477,354 | #202 |
| 2018 | -295,151 | +73,636 | #5 |
| 2017 | -368,787 | −27,039 | #5 |
| 2016 | -341,748 | −120,686 | #5 |
| 2015 | -221,062 | +89,094 | #11 |
| 2014 | -310,156 | +62,908 | #6 |
| 2013 | -373,064 | −1,357 | #4 |
| 2012 | -371,707 | −24,155 | #4 |
| 2011 | -347,552 | −77,589 | #5 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nepal matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2016. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal's net migration was -364,699 in 2025. Ranked 4th globally. This represents a 9.1% increase from the previous year.
Nepal's net migration peaked at 182,203 in 2019.
The lowest net migration in Nepal was -409,782 in 2023.
Nepal ranks 4th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nepal's net migration is projected to reach -588,425 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Nepal in 2025 was -364,699. This ranks 4th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nepal_net-migration,
title = {Nepal Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nepal/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}