Nepal’s Gen Z Protests: Youth Demand Change

Nepal is witnessing a historic wave of protests led by Gen Z. What began as frustration over blocked social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok quickly grew into a nationwide movement after the authorities killed a young protester on September 8, 2025. What started as anger over political corruption and nepotism has now become a call for major change across the country.

Dozens of young Nepalis lost their lives during the protests, hundreds were injured, and the unrest ultimately forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. A new interim government has taken charge, and the eyes of the nation are on them.

As the Managing Director of a leading job Website in Nepal, I see this not just as politics but as a wake-up call. The message from these young people is clear: the system is failing us, and they want it fixed.

Youth Frustration Boils Over

These protests are not only about social media being blocked. They reflect years of frustration among young people in Nepal. Nepali Gen Z grew up hearing promises of democracy, progress, and opportunities, but many now feel stuck. The social media ban was only the spark; the anger had been building for years.

Youth unemployment is over 20%, one of the highest in South Asia. That means one in five young Nepalis aged 15–24 cannot find work. At the same time, the richest 10% of the population earn more than three times what the poorest 40% make. For a young graduate, whether from Kathmandu or a village in Terai, it feels like no matter how hard they work, the chances of success are limited.

Many protest slogans focused on corruption and unfairness. Young people are frustrated to see politicians living in luxury while ordinary families struggle to make ends meet. The social media ban was simply the final insult. It made young people feel their voices were being silenced.

Nepal’s Gen Z protests reflect a larger trend in South Asia. In Sri Lanka, youth protests in 2022 led to the resignation of the government during an economic crisis. In Bangladesh, student-led protests in 2024 forced a long-serving prime minister out. Across the region, young people are demanding dignity, fairness, and accountability from their leaders. Nepali youth are part of this same movement. They are demanding a country where hard work and education lead to opportunity.

Jobs and Dignity

A main reason Nepali youth took to the streets is the lack of decent jobs. Every year, over 500,000 young people enter the job market. But the economy cannot provide enough opportunities. Manufacturing, factories, and productive industries are not growing fast enough.

Even as the country’s GDP grows slowly, jobs remain scarce. Employers often complain of a shortage of skilled workers, while thousands of youth remain unemployed. This shows a clear mismatch between education and market needs. Many graduates finish college with degrees that do not help them get jobs.

For young people, work is about more than money. It is about dignity. They want to contribute and feel respected. When hiring depends on connections or influence rather than merit, it is demoralizing. As one report put it, “Youth are not leaving just for money; they are leaving for dignity, security, and opportunity.” These protests are, at heart, a demand for meaningful and fair work.

The Brain Drain: Nepal’s Youth Leaving

Another serious concern is the number of young Nepalis leaving the country for work or education. Over the past thirty years, nearly 6.8 million Nepalis have gone abroad for work. In 2024/25 alone, more than 839,000 labor permits were issued. That means almost 1,700 young Nepalis leave every day.

These are not only low-skilled workers. More than 100,000 students leave Nepal every year for higher education abroad. Walk into any IELTS or TOEFL coaching center in Kathmandu, and you will see students preparing not for jobs in Nepal but for universities in Australia, the US, or Europe. Many never return, joining the global Nepali diaspora and taking their talent and ideas with them.

Remittances are now equivalent to 28 percent of Nepal’s GDP. While this helps families in the short term, it shows that the economy depends on sending workers abroad instead of creating opportunities at home. Every young person who leaves is a silent protest against the system. They are saying, “I do not see a future here.”

A New Government at a Crossroads

With the resignation of the Oli government, Nepal has a chance to change course. The interim government, led by Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, has a historic responsibility. The youth have made their demands clear: end corruption, stop nepotism, create jobs, and give young people hope.

The road ahead is not easy. The anger on the streets reflects problems that quick fixes cannot solve. Real change will require deep reforms in education, labor, and governance. As someone who works with job seekers and employers, I believe this is a turning point. Returning to “business as usual” is not an option.

Investing in Youth: Steps Forward

Several key actions can help Nepal respond to the protests and support young people:

1. Revamp Education and Skills

Colleges and vocational schools must teach skills that match market needs. General degrees alone are not enough. Students need training in IT, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and engineering. Schools should focus on both technical skills and communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. This way, young people are ready to take real jobs in the economy.

2. Encourage Job Creation

The government should help new businesses grow and invest in industries that employ young people. Tax breaks, easier permits, and better infrastructure can encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses in cities and provinces alike. If factories, IT parks, or service centers are built in places like Karnali or Sudurpaschim, young people won’t all move to Kathmandu or go abroad for work.

3. Improve Labor Policies

Job quality matters. Many young Nepalis work under low pay, temporary contracts, or unsafe conditions. Labor laws should ensure fair wages, safety, and regular payment. The government could also create unemployment support, job placement programs, and career guidance in collaboration with private platforms.

4. Reduce Brain Drain

While going abroad can be valuable, Nepal must make staying attractive. Scholarships and research grants can help students study here. Partnerships with foreign universities can bring quality education to Nepal. Programs can also keep Nepalis abroad connected to opportunities at home, encouraging them to return or invest in Nepal.

5. Include Youth in Governance

The protests show that young people want a say in decisions. A Youth Advisory Council to the Prime Minister or Parliament could bring ideas from students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs into policymaking. Encouraging youth to participate in local governance and elections can make politics more open and innovative.

Life Stories: The Faces Behind the Protests

I have met many young Nepalis eager to make a difference. Some dream of starting businesses, others want to innovate in farming, manufacturing, or technology. Creative students have ideas for apps, tourism projects, and sustainable businesses. Their energy and passion are clear—but most leave because the system does not give them a fair chance.

Every day, I see graduates leaving Tribhuvan International Airport with hope in their eyes but sadness in their hearts. They leave because they feel they cannot build a future here. The Gen Z protests remind us that ignoring their voices is dangerous.

A Vision for Nepal’s Future

Imagine Nepal 10 or 20 years from now: Gen Z leads growing industries; students from other countries come to study here; young people choose to go abroad for experience, not because they have no options at home. That Nepal is possible, but only if we learn lessons from this moment.

The youth have demanded a better Nepal. The government, businesses, and society must now respond with action. Investing in our people is not optional—it is necessary. If we succeed, Nepal will not only retain its youth but also empower them to build a strong, fair, and prosperous country.