Nepali journalist covers migration in a new way

Sometimes, women journalists face adverse conditions. But instead of deterring them from investigating, the challenge makes them work even harder. One of those journalists is Yam Kumari Kandel from Nepal.  

"Growing up in Karnali Province, one of the most underdeveloped regions of Nepal, I witnessed poverty up close from an early age. I entered journalism in 2007 despite the widely held belief that women cannot be journalists," she recalled.  

When she noticed that many local male youths were migrating to India for employment and returning home with HIV, she started investigating. What researchers linked to the unsafe sexual practices of seasonal labor migrants visiting sex workers while abroad, away from their partners and wives, she turned into human centered news stories.  

"At that time, I did not consciously identify my reporting as part of the migration beat. But in retrospect, that is where my work belonged," she said. 

What drives migration? 

In Nepal, a large number of people work abroad, particularly in Gulf countries, South Asia and Europe. According to the 2024 report of Nepal's Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, approximately 2.1 million Nepali citizens live outside the country (out of 29.6 million in total) and 77 percent of those are abroad for employment.  

But why do people have to migrate in the first place? Climate change is a big issue. 

Nepal ranks 10th worldwide regarding the number of people dying due to climate-induced disasters, for instance floods, landslides, or glacial lake ruptures. Therefore, a lot of internal displacement occurs, which in turn leads to vulnerability and poverty. People who live in poverty are particularly affected by climate change effects. This is called "climate injustice" as inhabitants of informal settlements are often not protected and there is no social support by the state. 

Migration as a means of survival 

Kandel noted that widespread youth emigration has left many older people isolated at home. With weak migration governance, this leaves families fragmented. This is part of the story she wants to tell. 

"I prioritize migration-focused, human-centered journalism that amplifies marginalized voices and transforms their lived experiences into evidence that can influence policy, strengthen accountability and ultimately improve their quality of life," she said. 

One of the recent issues that Kandel reported about was about Nepali women who go to Gulf countries for employment and then giving birth to children as a result of sexual assault. When the mothers return to Nepal, these children often don't have a birth certificate. As a result, they are unable to attend school.  

Kandel told the story of Gautam, who went to Kuwait to work as a domestic helper and gave birth at her employer's home. When she returned to Nepal, she could not prove that the child was hers, resulting in many difficulties.  

"I conducted interviews with the Department of National ID and Civil Registration of the Government of Nepal about this issue," Kandel recounted. "After the story was published, the department made it easier for these women to register their children's births. They also issued instructions at the local level to support mothers in completing birth registration." 

Having a direct impact on people's lives 

The international narrative regarding migrant workers portrays them either as people taking away the jobs from locals, or as victims, suffering from exploitation. This falls short of reality, Kandel explained.  

"Migrants also contribute positively to society. Many returnees invest in agriculture, businesses and industries, creating local employment opportunities. We need stories that highlight resilience, dignity, hope and empowerment," she said. 

Now Kandel is a seasoned journalist, having worked for Nepal's National News Agency and the US-American "Global PressJournal." 

"Through my reporting, I aim to reduce the risks associated with migration, promote social justice and human rights and create a bridge between local citizens and the government," she said. "However, reporting on migration is a specialized subject with many challenges." 

This is why Kandel attended the international conference "Beyond Borders Asia 2.0 - Journalism for and with Refugees, Migrants and Host Communities," organized by DW Akademie at the beginning of February 2026. Eighty participants from more than ten countries — journalists, academics and representatives of civil society and migrant organizations from across Asia — gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to discuss better ways to report on forced displacement and migration. 

"With the resources and networks I have gathered at the conference, I can report on migration in Nepal in a very different way. I deepened my understanding of terminology in migration reporting, how to present migrants in a dignified manner and how cross-border collaboration on shared issues can make stories stronger and more impactful," said Kandel.