DOHA: The Nepali community in Qatar has undergone a remarkable transformation from its humble beginnings as manual laborers to becoming a diverse, professionally accomplished diaspora of over 367,000 people, according to Krishna Panthi, President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Qatar.
In a recent interview with The Peninsula, Panthi traced the community's journey from 1990, when Nepalis first arrived legally in Qatar, primarily as construction workers, drivers, and farm laborers. Today, the community represents Qatar's second-largest expatriate population after India, with more than 5,000 businessmen and businesswomen, along with numerous doctors, engineers, and other professionals calling the country home.
"When people say Nepali, they used to think only construction worker, but now it's completely different," explained Panthi, who has been working in the Gulf region since 2004 and serves as NRNA president while maintaining his role as a project manager.
The community's growth was particularly notable during the World Cup period, when numbers swelled to approximately 450,000. While construction initially dominated Nepali enterprise, the sector has diversified significantly since 2016-17, with many transitioning into hospitality services, transportation, retail groceries, and facility maintenance.
The establishment of the Nepal Business Association in 2012-2014, now comprising around 500 members registered with Qatar Financial Centre, marked a turning point in the community's economic integration. Recent regulatory changes have further empowered Nepali entrepreneurs, allowing 100 percent ownership for small businesses such as cafeterias, grocery stores, and beauty salons—a significant shift from the previous sponsorship requirements.
However, Panthi emphasizes that new challenges have emerged alongside these successes. mental health issues have become the community's most pressing concern.
"These young workers come with big dreams, and when they don't achieve everything within six months, they get stressed," Panthi explained. The digital era has created additional pressure, with workers expecting rapid results unlike previous generations.
Digital fraud has also become a significant threat to less-educated blue-collar workers, who are targeted by scammers exploiting their limited financial literacy and fear of banking problems.
In response, NRNA Qatar has shifted its focus from traditional welfare concerns to awareness and education programs. The organization now conducts monthly training sessions, including recent workshops at Qatar Skills Training on CV preparation and interview techniques to help Nepali workers compete in Qatar's multicultural job market.
The umbrella organization oversees 124 active sub-organizations among approximately 150 registered groups, reaching workers through Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Messenger. When government ministries implement new policies, NRNA translates them into Nepali and disseminates the information throughout the community.
Despite improvements in worker protections—including the implementation of the Wage Protection System (WPS), standardized contracts, and the abolition of exit permits under the kafala system—Panthi identifies persistent problems at the source.
Recruitment agencies in Nepal often charge workers far more than the official 10,000 rupee government fee, forcing laborers to take substantial loans before arrival. Additionally, mandatory three-day orientation programs reportedly issue certificates without providing meaningful training on Qatari culture, workplace expectations, or safety protocols.
During a recent visit by Nepal's President to Qatar in early November, Panthi advocated for establishing a Nepali school and cultural center, noting the growing number of families settling permanently in Qatar. He also raised concerns about insurance coverage, which currently only protects workers during working hours rather than providing 24-hour protection.
The bilateral relationship between Qatar and Nepal has strengthened considerably, with six memoranda of understanding signed during the Qatari Amir's 2024 visit to Nepal, including agreements on education cooperation.
As NRNA president until July 2027, Panthi balances his community leadership with family life, often working late into Friday nights on welfare cases. His dedication reflects the organization's evolution from addressing basic salary disputes and sponsorship issues to tackling complex challenges facing a maturing, established community that has become integral to Qatar's social and economic fabric.
