The Silent Workers: Bihari Migration to Nepal, Roti-Beti Ties, and Socio-Economic Challenges

Introduction: A Human Story and the Roti-Beti Connection

Migration between India and Nepal is not just about geography—it is about shared histories, families, and livelihoods. The India-Nepal “Roti-Beti” relationship is a centuries-old expression that captures the deep cultural, social, and economic ties between the two countries. “Roti” symbolizes shared food, trade, and economic livelihoods, while “Beti” represents matrimonial and familial bonds. These ties are not abstract; they are lived daily through marriages, trade, and community ties across the open border.

Historically, such relationships can be traced back to mythology when Prince Ram of Ayodhya married Princess Sita of Janakpur, creating a bond that went beyond kingdoms. In modern times, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) institutionalized this openness by allowing citizens of both countries to move, live, and work freely across the border. This has allowed generations of Bihari workers to cross into Nepal in search of opportunities, making migration not an exception but a tradition.

Push and Pull Factors of Bihari Migration to Nepal

Migration from Bihar to Nepal is shaped by a combination of push and pull factors:

1. Push Factors (Reasons driving people out of Bihar):

1. Poverty and Unemployment – Bihar continues to face high poverty rates and limited job opportunities, pushing workers to look for better livelihoods elsewhere.
2. Agricultural Dependence and Land Pressure – Most families depend on small-scale farming, which is insufficient to sustain livelihoods. Seasonal migration helps fill this gap.
3. Population Pressure – Bihar is one of India’s most densely populated states, creating intense competition for resources and employment.
4. Lack of Industrial Development – With few industries or urban employment hubs, many youths migrate in search of work.
5. Seasonal Distress – Floods, droughts, and agrarian distress often push families into migration cycles.
6. Pull Factors (Reasons attracting people to Nepal):

1. Proximity and Open Border – The open India-Nepal border makes migration relatively easy compared to other destinations.
2. Demand for Labor – Nepal’s urban centers such as Kathmandu, Biratnagar, and Pokhara need workers in construction, transport, and services.
3. Cultural and Linguistic Similarity – Shared language, food habits, and culture make integration smoother for Bihari migrants.
4. Cost of Migration – Unlike migration to Gulf countries, moving to Nepal is cheaper and involves fewer risks.
5. Social Networks – Established communities of Bihari migrants help newcomers find jobs and adjust.

Migration Trends and Evidence

The migration of Indians—particularly Biharis—to Nepal is not only visible in stories and anecdotes but also reflected in research. Indians form the largest share of foreign nationals living and working in Nepal.

A 2021 study on international migration from India to Nepal (1961–2021) found that Indian nationals consistently make up the majority of Nepal’s foreign population. In 1961, Indians represented around 73% of all foreigners in Nepal, and although the percentage has gradually declined with new inflows from other countries, Indians remain the single largest group even today (Thapa, 2023, ResearchGate).

In terms of employment, Indian migrants are heavily concentrated in urban centers like Kathmandu, Biratnagar, and Pokhara, where they fill labor shortages in construction, manufacturing, transport, and domestic services. Reports highlight the informal nature of this work—meaning most migrants lack contracts, protections, or access to social security (General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions, 2024). This confirms the push-and-pull dynamics: migrants move because of need, and they are absorbed because Nepal’s economy demands cheap and flexible labor.

Evidence also shows that migration flows are influenced by economic shifts in Nepal. During infrastructure expansion, Indian workers—especially from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh—see a surge in opportunities. But during political turmoil or downturns, they face sudden unemployment. The UNICEF report on Nepal’s brick industry (2023) further notes that many Indian migrants, including children, end up in exploitative conditions in brick kilns, where low pay, long hours, and unsafe work environments are common.

From a historical perspective, the census and labor surveys in Nepal consistently document the presence of Indian migrants as the backbone of its foreign workforce. According to GEFONT (2024), despite Nepal hosting workers from China, Bangladesh, and African countries in recent decades, Indian laborers remain the most significant group, especially in low-wage, labor-intensive sectors.

Taken together, the evidence confirms that Bihari migration is not an isolated or recent trend but a structural feature of Nepal’s labor market, rooted in geography, history, and economics. Indians—particularly from Bihar—are essential to Nepal’s urban growth, while their vulnerabilities remind us of the urgent need for better safeguards.

Vulnerabilities of Migrant Workers

Despite their importance, Bihari migrants in Nepal remain among the most vulnerable groups.

• Exploitation in Informal Sectors – With little to no contracts, migrants often face wage theft, unsafe conditions, and long hours.
• Lack of Social Security – Unlike formal workers, migrants have no health coverage, pension, or workplace protections.
• Precariousness During Crises – Events like the 2015 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political unrest reveal how quickly migrant livelihoods collapse.
• Social Discrimination – Migrants often face prejudice and exclusion in Nepali cities despite their economic contributions.

Political Turmoil and Its Impact on Migrant Workers

Nepal is currently going through one of its most turbulent phases in recent history. In September 2025, the country witnessed widespread youth-led protests against corruption, unemployment, and restrictions on social media. What began as peaceful demonstrations soon turned violent, leaving over 70 people dead and hundreds injured (REUTERS, 2025). Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, and a caretaker government under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in (Financial Tims, 2025).

For Indian migrants, particularly those from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, this turmoil has had serious consequences:

• Border Closures and Restricted Mobility – Security forces tightened controls at key borders, leaving hundreds of daily-wage Indian workers unable to cross for work (Times of India, 2025).
• Income Loss and Employment Insecurity – Markets, construction sites, and hotels closed during curfews, leaving thousands jobless. Over 2,000 truckers and traders were stranded, facing major financial losses (Moneycontrol, 2025).
• Stranded Migrants – Hundreds of Indian workers were stuck in Kathmandu and other cities when flights and public transport were suspended. The Indian Embassy had to step in with evacuation efforts (India Today, 2025).
• Trade Disruptions – Border trade collapsed, hurting both Indian and Nepali businesses. In Bihar towns like Jaynagar, cross-border markets fell silent overnight (Times of India, 2025).
• Psychological Stress – Uncertainty, curfews, and fear of violence left migrants feeling unsafe, deepening their sense of vulnerability (Indian Express, 2025).

This political unrest shows how fragile migrant livelihoods are in times of crisis. Migrants are the first to lose jobs, the first to be stranded, and the last to get protection.

Way Forward

Addressing the challenges faced by Bihari migrants in Nepal requires both immediate and long-term action:

1. Bilateral Labor Agreements – India and Nepal need formal frameworks that guarantee rights and protections for migrants.
2. Emergency Relief Systems – Cross-border crisis protocols must include stranded workers in evacuation, shelter, and food relief.
3. Social Security Access – Inclusion of migrants in health and accident insurance schemes is essential.
4. Community Awareness – Local integration programs can reduce discrimination and highlight migrant contributions.

Conclusion

The journey of Bihari migrants to Nepal reflects a mix of deep cultural ties and harsh economic realities. Rooted in the historic “Roti-Beti” relationship, these workers have long moved across the open border in search of survival and opportunity. They play a vital role in Nepal’s economy—whether in construction, transport, or services—yet their own lives remain marked by insecurity.

Driven by poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunities in Bihar, they are pulled by Nepal’s demand for cheap labor and cultural familiarity. But this migration is not without risks. Most workers face exploitation in informal jobs, lack of social security, and heightened vulnerability during crises. The recent political turmoil in Nepal has shown how quickly their livelihoods can collapse when borders close, markets shut, and unrest spreads.

These workers are more than silent contributors; they are the human bridge between India and Nepal. Recognizing their struggles, ensuring protections, and valuing their contributions is essential. Their story is not only about migration—it is about dignity, resilience, and the shared responsibility of two nations bound by history and people.

Sources (Reference)

• Thapa, P. (2023). Immigration of Foreign Nationals in Nepal: A Study on International Migration from India to Nepal (1961–2021). ResearchGate.
• GEFONT (2024). Labour Migration and Informal Economy in Nepal.
• UNICEF (2023). Ending Forced and Child Labour in Nepal’s Brick Industry. UNICEF Nepal.
• Reuters (2025). Nepal panel to probe violence during anti-graft protests that killed 74.
• Financial Times (2025). Nepal appoints caretaker PM after protests.
• Times of India (2025). As Nepal crisis deepens, border tightened; tourists stranded.
• Moneycontrol (2025). Nepal unrest cripples border trade.
• India Today (2025). Indians stranded in Kathmandu amid Nepal protests.
• Indian Express (2025). Nepali workers in Chandigarh worried about protests.