This work explores the reasons working-age Nepali and those in rural, lower-income areas emigrate to
Persian Gulf countries. Given that government, non-government organisations, and the popular press
report the risks found in these countries, a thorough investigation of why Nepali overlook these warnings
and seek employment in Gulf countries is warranted. To explore this phenomenon, we obtained data from
questionnaires administered to working-age Nepali who reside in rural areas. The data suggest that
Nepali realise the dangers associated with working in the Gulf but believe that they must emigrate
because of limited opportunities in their country and the obligation to improve their families’ well-being
by earning remittance. In addition, the data suggest that many Nepali find employment in the Gulf
alluring because of perceptions of rich, cosmopolitan Gulf cities. The findings show that many Nepali
accept the consequences associated with labour migration to the Gulf to improve their own, their
families’, and even Nepal’s well-being.