Humla: Thousands of unemployed youths in Humla are increasingly moving to China’s Taklakot as the district faces a rising unemployment problem. Local residents, both men and women, are heading to the northern neighboring country in search of work opportunities, initially for six months, utilizing temporary border passes issued by the district administration.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Rajendra Kumar Chand, the Assistant Chief District Officer and Information Officer, reported a significant increase in the number of young men and women taking border passes this year compared to previous years. Chand shared that around 11,000 citizens, out of a total population of 55,000 in Humla, have already obtained border passes.
The trend sees youths opting to work in Taklakot, engaging in activities ranging from household chores to agricultural labor, rather than collecting herbs in the forest. Taklakot, previously a hub for employment opportunities primarily for young men, now attracts young women as well.
The number of people seeking new border passes and renewals has increased since the Hilsa border, which connects Nepal with Tibet, China’s autonomous region, reopened on May 11. Chand noted that the district administration has issued 8,913 new border passes and 2,066 renewals since mid-April. The administration provides temporary six-month border passes, requiring individuals to apply for renewals for extended stays.
The Hilsa border remains open for only six months each year due to snowfall, closing from mid-November and reopening from mid-May.