Kathmandu: In a significant demographic shift, 71,000 Nepalese have embarked on journeys for permanent residence abroad in 2023, as reported by the Immigration Department on Monday. The data, unveiled by the department, reveals that 70,915 individuals left Tribhuvan International Airport, with 36,663 men and 34,251 women among them.

The cumulative exodus during this period tallies to 1,603,836, with 4.42% seeking permanent residence. The departure is notably male-dominated, as 1,171,186 men left compared to 432,584 women. The data suggests that the driving force behind male migration is primarily employment, with 723,789 men pursuing jobs abroad, contrasted by 84,644 women.

Interestingly, women lead in migration for family visits and dependent visas. Out of 96,673 individuals going abroad to meet family and relatives, 70,808 are men. For dependent visas, 12,527 women and 8,086 men sought to relocate. Additionally, 92,349 Nepalis chose temporary residence abroad, with 51,876 men and 48,562 women embracing this transitional experience.

The statistics shed light on the diverse reasons propelling Nepalese migration patterns, reflecting the complex dynamics of global movement and the pursuit of different aspirations in 2023.