Passengers waiting for the flights at Kathmandu airport following Monday’s deadly anti-corruption protests triggered by a social media ban, which was later lifted.
| Photo Credit: REUTERS
As protests led by Nepal’s Gen Z against corruption reshape the country’s politics, Nepal nationals in Hyderabad are watching closely, their emotions swinging between pride, worry and hope. Many who left their homes in search of work expressed support for the protests, even as they remain concerned for the safety of their families.
“There are barely any opportunities for young people in Nepal. That is why we had to leave,” said Dinesh, a native of Pokhara who works at a tea stall at a popular eatery on TV Studio road in Ramanthapur. As he poured steaming filter coffee into tumblers for the morning crowd, he added, “We support this protest. It is the right step. For years, politicians grew wealthy on taxpayers’ money while Nepal’s educated youth were forced to migrate to India and other countries for work. Removing these corrupt leaders was essential.”
Dinesh, who moved to Hyderabad four years ago, speaks daily with his family back home. “They are safe. Protesters are targeting politicians, not citizens,” he said.
Along the 200-metre stretch of this market road, at least ten other migrants from Nepal are employed in hotels and shops. Aneesh, a cook from Kathmandu, said the lack of decent wages in Nepal had forced many to move abroad. “Even if we find a job there, the pay is not enough to run a family. What is happening now is painful but necessary,” he said.
Many remembered leaving Nepal as teenagers, some as young as 15, carrying little more than hope and a degree, and taking up work as waiters, hotel staff, helpers, or care workers. Now, while sending money home, they hope these protests mark a turning point.
Kunal, 22, who came to Hyderabad when he was 15, now works as a chef at a café in Secunderabad, said “The fight against corruption was long overdue. But the destruction in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Itahari is sad to see.” He last spoke to his family two days ago, after a brief disruption in communication owing to the social media ban.
“The impact in villages is lesser. I plan to travel as soon as the situation gets better,” he said.
Kunal lives with his brother and other migrants from his village. Their café chain employs more than 40 Nepal nationals across branches in Hyderabad, according to its manager, who said staff welfare has been prioritised during this difficult period.
“Nepal’s GenZ is brave and kind, standing up for truth and carrying the hope of change. I just hope they can also guide millennials and the older generations to see beyond the political noise and recognise what is genuine,” said Mamta Raj Kumar, a businesswoman and native of Biratnagar, Nepal.
Published – September 11, 2025 07:45 pm IST
