Kathmandu: Nepal's remittance inflows grew by 4.1% to Rs. 763.08 billion in the past six months, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) report, Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation of Nepal. This marks a slower growth compared to the 22.2% increase in the same period last year. In US dollar terms, remittance inflows rose by 1.1% to $5.58 billion, significantly lower than the 19.5% increase recorded in the previous year.

The number of Nepali workers receiving first-time foreign employment approval increased to 230,439, up from 206,390 in the previous year. Similarly, 162,628 individuals received re-entry approval, compared to 133,940 last year. These figures indicate a continued reliance on foreign employment, which remains a key source of remittance inflows.

Net secondary income, which includes remittances and other personal transfers, reached Rs. 832.76 billion, up from Rs. 799.54 billion last year. Meanwhile, net services income recorded a deficit of Rs. 43.53 billion, compared to Rs. 35.43 billion in the previous year. The increasing services deficit suggests higher outbound payments for services such as travel and education.

In the tourism sector, travel income increased by 5.1% to Rs. 41.86 billion, up from Rs. 39.82 billion last year. However, travel payments rose by 9.7% to Rs. 101.92 billion, with Rs. 56.83 billion spent on education abroad. In the same period last year, these figures stood at Rs. 92.87 billion and Rs. 58.95 billion, respectively. The growing expenses on foreign education highlight a significant outflow of funds, which could impact Nepal’s foreign exchange reserves.

The data reflects moderate remittance growth, increased foreign employment approvals, and a widening services income deficit, underscoring the evolving economic landscape of Nepal.