Migrant workers find love amidst struggles

Nepal Now: On the move

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Today we’re back with another personal story—two in fact: those of Raj and Sunita. I gotta admit, what I like about this story is the romance element, which is something we haven’t heard from other guests so far. What they told us, when we recorded in the ACORAB studio in Chakupat, Patan, was that they were both working in Persian Gulf countries when a colleague suggested that they become Facebook friends. Sunita and Raj then chatted online for three years before finally meeting. You’ll have to keep listening to get the full story, but it does include chocolate, flowers and a very large spoon.

I’m having fun with this story, but I want to be clear about something—it’s not a fairy tale. Yes, Sunita and Raj found one another in what would seem like unusual circumstances to many of us. But there are millions of labour migrants worldwide, so I’m sure that many, many couples come together, like Raj and Sunita, while working abroad. Meanwhile, they experience life as migrant workers — the shock of living in a foreign country, without their language, food customs, and — especially — family, a family they might not get to see for years. They might face discrimination or mental, physical, and even sexual abuse, and there’s a chance that somewhere along the way, someone will try to cheat them out of their hard-earned money.

What I’m trying to say is that a migrant worker’s life is difficult, one that few people would choose if they had options. But except in the most extreme, harsh circumstances, their lives are multifaceted, like all of ours, and include pain, joy and yes, romance. And I hope this episode reveals a more fully rounded portrait of two migrants’ lives.

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Music by audionautix.com.
Thank you to the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters of Nepal and Himal Media for use of their studios.

Chapters

1. Migrant Workers' Love Story (00:00:00)

2. A darker side of migration from Nepal (00:04:48)

3. Seeking a new opportunity abroad (00:15:29)

4. Feedback and Stories for Nepal Now (00:22:43)