Why did Nepal's new generation protest so fiercely against the social media ban? The answer lies in the country's dependence on migration and remittances. The ban was a hit on two vital lifelines: affordable communication and money transfers, essential for countless families.
Costly Communication
According to Nepal Telecom, international call costs are prohibitively high. Calling India costs between 4 to 12 Nepali Rupees per minute, Saudi Arabia and Qatar up to 30 Rupees per minute, and calls to the U.S. or the UK range from 1.75 to 35 Rupees per minute.
India houses 11% of Nepal's overseas population, while Gulf countries have about 14%. North America and Europe account for 2.3% and 2.7% respectively.
Source: aajtak
In contrast, messaging apps like WhatsApp allow nearly free communication. Hence, the ban on platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook sparked widespread concern, although it has now been lifted. A resident of Biratnagar explained to India Today that his parents are in India for his mother's treatment, making the WhatsApp ban a major setback as it was the most affordable way to speak with them daily.
Similarly, many Nepalis said that social media is crucial not just for chatting but for financial transactions too, especially in a nation where remittance is the backbone of the economy. By January 2024, 48.1% of Nepal's total population was active on social media, and this figure rose to 73% for those aged over 18. Among internet users, 86% engaged with at least one social media platform.
Prolific Expatriate Community
Nepal's 2021 census showed the population with 7.5% as expatriates. In 1981, it was only 2.7%, escalating to 3.3% in 2001. India and Gulf countries remain favored destinations.
Migration is seen across all socio-economic classes. The census indicates that 45% of migrants had completed secondary education, 41.2% had basic education, only 5.3% held bachelor degrees, and a mere 1.9% had master's or higher degrees.
Source: aajtak
Due to expatriates, remittance counters in Nepal remain busy year-round. According to the World Bank, in 2024, remittances constituted over 33% of Nepal's GDP, compared to just 2% in 2000.
