Fact-Check: Claim about Nepali Workers Returning in Coffins
What We Know
The claim states that in the past year, 1,180 Nepalis who had gone for foreign employment had to return in coffins. This assertion is supported by various sources that document the alarming rate of deaths among Nepali migrant workers abroad. According to a report by My Republica, nearly 1,500 Nepalis died in foreign employment last year, with a breakdown indicating that 1,208 deaths were reported in the previous fiscal year (2022/23). This aligns with data from the Kathmandu Post, which also highlights the increasing fatalities among Nepali workers abroad, noting 1,275 deaths in 2020-21 and 1,509 in 2021-22.
The Foreign Employment Board has reported that approximately 1,000 Nepali workers die abroad each year, which translates to about four deaths per day (Annapurna Express). This statistic underscores the severe risks associated with foreign employment for Nepalis, who often face hazardous working conditions.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable sources corroborating the statistics regarding Nepali migrant worker deaths. The Associated Press and My Republica both provide detailed accounts of the fatalities, emphasizing the tragic circumstances surrounding these deaths, which often include workplace accidents, health issues, and suicides (AP News, My Republica).
The Kathmandu Post and Annapurna Express also provide consistent data, indicating a worrying trend in the number of deaths over recent years. The Foreign Employment Board's statistics, which report thousands of deaths over a multi-year period, lend further credibility to the claim of a significant number of Nepalis returning home in coffins (Kathmandu Post, Annapurna Express).
While the claim specifies 1,180 deaths, the broader context provided by these sources indicates that the actual number could be higher, as estimates suggest that around 1,000 deaths occur annually. The slight discrepancy may arise from different reporting periods or definitions of "returning in coffins," but the overall trend is clear and alarming.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that 1,180 Nepalis who had gone for foreign employment had to return in coffins is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The statistics regarding the deaths of Nepali migrant workers abroad are consistent across various reports, indicating a significant and tragic loss of life. The data highlights the severe risks faced by these workers, making the claim not only plausible but reflective of a broader crisis in migrant labor conditions.
