Kathmandu, April 4 -- Increasing numbers of Nepalis have been flocking to Europe as students and workers, or paying traffickers to sneak in through the back door.

And no other country in Europe seems to be as popular a destination as Portugal for them to seek a better life.

According to Gabinete de Estrategia e Estudos (GEE) in Lisbon, the number of Nepalis in Portugal had crossed 21,000 even by 2022, and it is expected to be much higher now. This year, Nepal established a resident embassy in Lisbon.

Portugal was the most appealing destination for Nepalis and other immigrants because of its immigration-friendly policy that allowed them to ultimately obtain European permanent residence or passport.

Even Nepalis from other parts of Eur...