Kathmandu: Nepal received Rs 763.08 billion in remittances in the first six months of the current fiscal year, marking a 4.1% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Finance’s mid-term review report released Thursday.

However, remittance growth slowed significantly compared to last year’s 22.2% rise during the same period. Net secondary income reached Rs 832.76 billion, growing by 4.2%, down from the previous year’s 21.1% increase.

The report also revealed that 230,439 Nepalis received first-time approval for foreign employment, an 11.7% rise, while 162,628 workers renewed their permits, up 21.4%.

Despite these inflows, Nepal recorded a trade deficit of Rs 723.58 billion. The balance of payments remained in surplus at Rs 249.26 billion, though lower than last year’s Rs 273.52 billion.