Nepal’s Unemployment Crisis: Tackling Scams and Building a Better Future
The state of unemployment in Nepal is a significant issue, with the unemployment rate standing at 5.10%, surpassing the South Asian average of 3.70%. Nepal faces challenges in generating sufficient employment opportunities as a developing country with a small economy heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs around 60% of the workforce but offers low wages. Additionally, the Nepali youth’s aspirations for rapid wealth accumulation, driven by their exhaustion with living in poverty and their desire for a better life, contribute to the high unemployment rate. Addressing these factors and implementing strategies for job creation and improved economic prospects are crucial to combat unemployment in Nepal.
Furthermore, due to poor education and teaching methodologies, many youths lack necessary skills but aspire to earn a significant amount of money. This makes them vulnerable to falling for scams, such as MLM and networking businesses, frauds, and other deceptive schemes promising quick wealth. During my research, I visited police stations and discovered numerous cases of youth being scammed in the name of job vacancies. These activities have caught my attention before, but it became more concerning after watching a YouTube video by Saugat Gyawali. Upon further investigation, I found several similar cases online. You may have also come across such posts on your Facebook walls, seeking victims for scams.
One notable case occurred on January 14, 2021, when the Metropolitan Police Crime Division arrested a 23-year-old individual named Mr. Shiva Khadka for scamming 43 youths in the name of job vacancies. The victims were asked to pay registration fees or training fees ranging from 1500 to 3500 rupees, with promises of earning Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000. However, it turned out to be a scam. Mr. Shiva operated this fraudulent scheme through a Facebook group named “Job Vacancy.” While this particular case may be from 2021, such scams are unfortunately prevalent nowadays. It is crucial to be aware that legitimate companies do not typically ask for cash payments, and it is unrealistic to expect to make significant money overnight or become rich within a few months. Stay vigilant and cautious, as scams targeting job seekers continue to be a prevalent issue in Nepal and elsewhere. [more read on the case]
Another alarming incident involved a lottery scam that defrauded over a dozen people in Nepal of approximately Rs150 million (around $1.3 million). The scammers utilized social media platforms to deceive victims into believing they had won a lottery, subsequently demanding deposits into bank accounts under their control. The Metropolitan Crime Division in Kathmandu apprehended three individuals involved in this fraudulent activity: Ramesh Khadka, Bisheshwar Prasad Tiwari, and Sandip Kalwar. Investigations suggest that a Nigerian national named Peter Herman, currently residing in India, masterminded the scam. Herman is also suspected of orchestrating another theft of over Rs48.5 million (approximately $380,000) by hacking into the accounts of two Nepali banks. Police are actively investigating the case and anticipate further arrests to be made. [more read on the case]
The issue of unemployment in Nepal demands immediate attention and effective strategies to create employment opportunities and improve economic prospects. With a higher-than-average unemployment rate and a youth population yearning for better lives, the vulnerability to scams and fraudulent schemes targeting job seekers becomes evident. Insufficient job opportunities, a reliance on low-wage agriculture, and inadequate education and skills training further exacerbate the problem. It is crucial for the government, educational institutions, and society as a whole to address these challenges by implementing policies that foster job creation, enhance vocational training, and promote entrepreneurship. Additionally, raising awareness about the tactics used by scammers and fostering financial literacy will empower individuals to make informed decisions and protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent activities. By taking collective action, Nepal can work towards alleviating unemployment and creating a brighter future for its citizens.
And this is just the tip of an ice berg, our youths are getting scammed in multiple ways, which I will be writing in the future. Thank you for the read. Hoping for a follow. ❤
