The number of Nepali youths going abroad for employment is increasing. Many of them have landed good jobs in reputed companies but at the same time, some are working for questionable companies. Nepalis are preferred in the Gulf countries because they never shirk work and will do anything assigned if capable. But they have also been the victims of accidents in Saudi Arabia. Some have lost their lives while others have been forced to return home maimed or handicapped. The companies they worked for haven't paid their medical insurance or helped them. A year ago, Debi Gurung paid Imansh Manpower Rs 75,000 to go to work in Saudi Arabia. Shortly after arriving, Debi lost his right leg in a road accident. "No one came to help me," says Debi.

He wasn't able to work to pay off his debts. When his wife and family calls, he lies and says he is well and will be sending money in a few months. "It's been a year since but I can't tell them, they'd get worried," he says. He hasn't even told his brother who is also in Saudia Arabia. The company he works for took care of the medical bills incurred during the nine months he was in hospital. "I don't know how to return home like this," he says. He's been in the gulf for two years but has only worked for one, spending the rest in hospital. "I'm ashamed," he says, "How can I go?" According to Om Ghale of the Tamu Dhi in Damam, Debi is still a part of the company he was working for and talks are being held in the embassy about him and the insurance he is supposed to receive. Other Nepalis have helped raise funds for him and given it to the committee.