Korean Embassy in Kathmandu Releases Book Showcasing Success Stories of Returnee Nepali Migrant Workers

KATHMANDU: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal organized a ceremony on June 17 to celebrate the publication of a collection of success stories of Nepalese entrepreneurs who had worked in Korea through the Employment Permit System (EPS).

A book titled “Tapai Pani Malik Banna Saknuhuncha” (You Can Be the Boss) was jointly unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and the Korean Ambassador to Nepal, Park Tae-Young. Written in Nepali by Shiva Prasad Pokharel, the book showcases the success stories of former Employment Permit System (EPS) workers who have effectively reintegrated into Nepali society.

It features personal accounts from returnees working across various sectors — 20 in manufacturing, 16 in agriculture, 9 in services, and 5 in education.

At the event, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, Tae-young Park, said that the book, which contains the experiences of Nepali returnees, is a living record of the transformative power of bilateral employment cooperation between Korea and Nepal, and appreciates the fact that Nepali businessmen featured in the book are creating jobs and contributing to the local community and Nepal’s development.

The chief guest of the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, appreciated the book, stating that it would send a positive message about starting a business to many Nepalis who work abroad and return to Nepal. He also noted that the publication of the book by the Korean Embassy is an important achievement.

Since 2007, over 100,000 Nepali workers have gone to Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS), receiving equal treatment alongside Korean workers. Ambassador Park highlighted that the EPS has become a valuable human development partnership, allowing Nepali youth to earn income, build skills, and return home with dignity to contribute to their communities.

To further support their reintegration, the Korean government through KOICA is implementing the “K-Hami” project. This initiative offers comprehensive assistance throughout the migration journey, from pre-departure to post-return, including entrepreneurship training, mentoring, and access to business development resources.