Mamata Baral from Pokhara has been in Australia for three years. After completing PCL nursing, she worked for four years at two hospitals in Pokhara, earning Rs18,000 a month.

“Forget household expenses. Even buying basic things meant thinking ten times,” she said.

Baral now works in aged care in Australia. “Everyone wants to work in their own country. I did too. But after investing so much in education, the pay was not what we expected,” she said. “Now, at least, money does not stop me from thinking about my family’s needs.” She said low pay and lack of professional security are forcing nurses to leave Nepal.

Kriti Napit from Chitwan works as an ICU nurse at a trauma centre in the US. She arrived there three months ago after a decade of experience in Nepal. She said modern technology, an organised health system and professional respect have boosted her confidence.

Napit began her career in 2015 as a contract staff nurse at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. After two years, she passed the TU Service Commission exam and secured a permanent post, serving for a decade. Her salary in Nepal was Rs60,000, which she said was better than most private hospitals.

“To work abroad, nurses must obtain a licence for that country, which is not possible from Nepal,” she said. “I took the NCLEX exam in India.” High demand, better income and career prospects are driving more Nepali nurses overseas, she added.

According to the Nepal Nursing Council, 52,255 nurses have left the country since 2002. The US hosts the largest number, with 29,385 Nepali nurses. In the fiscal year 2021–22, about 4,000 nurses went to the US. That number rose to 6,000 in 2023–24.

After the US, major destinations include Australia with 12,924 nurses, the UAE with 4,474, Denmark with 1,411, the UK with 1,282 and Canada with 978. In total, Nepali nurses have gone to at least 17 countries, council records show.

Health Ministry joint-spokesperson Samir Kumar Adhikari said global demand has made nursing more attractive. “Easy migration pathways, good income and a secure future are key reasons,” he said.

Former Nursing Association of Nepal president Tara Pokharel said political instability, limited opportunities and low valuation of labour are pushing professionals out. “People spend Rs800,000 to Rs1 million on education and end up earning Rs15,000 to Rs18,000,” she said. “There is no professional security.”