For years, many Nepalis working abroad have carried a common belief:
“Nepal runs because of our remittance.”
This line reflects the pain, sacrifice, and dedication of every migrant worker. But emotionally powerful statements are not always factually accurate. It is important to understand where remittance actually goes, how it flows, and how it impacts the country.
This blog aims to clear the widespread misconception with respect and clarity.
Understanding What Remittance Really Is
Remittance is the money Nepalese abroad send back home. But contrary to popular belief, remittance does not go to the government’s treasury or government accounts.
It goes directly to the families of migrant workers.
It pays for groceries, school fees, health checkups, rent, house construction, clothing, loan repayments, and daily living expenses.
Remittance is a lifeline for millions of homes, not a direct source of government income.
How the Government Benefits Indirectly
Even though the government does not receive remittance directly, it benefits indirectly through economic activities created by families who spend this money.
When families buy food, clothes, books, phones, or services, they pay taxes.
When businesses earn money from those purchases, they pay their own taxes.
When banks handle remittance transactions, the financial system becomes stronger.
When foreign currency enters Nepal, it strengthens the country’s reserves.
These indirect effects help Nepal’s economy stay stable.
But indirect benefit is not the same as direct funding.
Why the Misconception Exists
People often say “the country runs because of remittance” because remittance plays a huge role in keeping Nepal’s overall economy alive. It has helped the country avoid major financial crises.
However, this does not mean the government is running on remittance money.
It simply means your earning keeps your family safe and stable, and their spending keeps the national economy active.
This is a chain reaction, not a direct cash transfer to the state.
The Real Contribution of Migrant Workers
Behind every remittance transaction is a deep story of hard work.
Long hours under the sun, difficult jobs, crowded rooms, homesickness, and personal sacrifices make every rupee sent home meaningful.
Your contribution supports your home first.
Your home’s activities support the market.
The market’s activities support the economy.
This is the real flow of impact.
Migrant workers are the backbone of millions of households. Their contribution deserves respect—but it should be understood the right way.
Why This Awareness Matters
Understanding the truth helps clear confusion.
It allows migrant workers to feel proud of what they genuinely accomplish without believing something that is not accurate.
It also encourages the government to take responsibility instead of hiding behind the remittance narrative.
Nepal still needs job creation, better governance, economic reforms, and long-term development plans. Remittance alone cannot build a nation.
Awareness brings clarity.
Clarity brings accountability.
Accountability brings progress.
The Path Toward a Stronger Nepal
Nepal cannot depend on remittance forever. A strong nation is built when people have opportunities within their own land. Sustainable growth comes from entrepreneurship, industry, innovation, good governance, and skill development.
Remittance has helped Nepal survive, but survival is not the same as development.
If Nepal is to truly grow, it must create conditions where fewer people need to leave the country.
Final Reflection
Migrant workers are heroes — not because they run the government, but because they run their homes with dignity, sacrifice, and love.
Let’s spread this message proudly and truthfully:
“Our remittance runs our family.
Our family’s spending supports Nepal’s economy.”
This is the reality, and understanding it strengthens the entire Nepali community.
विदेशमा परिश्रम गरेर पठाउने remittance बारे धेरै ठाउँमा भ्रम छ कि “देश सरकार हाम्रो पैसाले चल्छ।” तर वास्तविकता त्यस्तो होइन। हामीले पठाएको पैसा सिधै सरकारको खातामा जान्न, त्यो त हाम्रो परिवारकै हातमा पुग्छ—घरखर्च, शिक्षा, स्वास्थ्य, ऋण, र दैनिक जीवनका आवश्यकताहरू पूरा गर्न।
सरकारलाई त्यसबाट फाइदा अप्रत्यक्ष रूपमा मात्रै हुन्छ—परिवारले किनमेल गर्दा लाग्ने कर, बजारमा हुने कारोबार, बैंकिङ प्रणाली चलायमान हुनु, र देशको foreign reserve बलियो हुनु। तर यो प्रत्यक्ष सरकारी आय भने होइन।
त्यसैले सही बुझाइ यस्तो हो:
हाम्रो remittance ले हाम्रो घर–परिवार चल्छ, र परिवारले गर्ने खर्चले देशको अर्थतन्त्र चलायमान रहन्छ।