From Rural Roots to Luxury Hotels: Sagar Lohani’s Success Story
Sagar Lohani, 30, hails from Bhatauliya, Bardaghat-12, Nawalparasi district. He grew up in a traditional rural household with his father, mother, and two sisters—both of whom are now married. His grandfather had migrated from Lamjung to Nawalparasi with his wife, three sons, and a daughter, setting the foundation for their family’s new beginnings.
Sagar’s childhood was normal yet challenging at times, given his family’s dependence on agriculture and his parents’ illiteracy. His parents were married at a very young age—his mother was only 12, and his father was likely 14 or 15. Sagar often reflects on the hardships his parents, especially his mother, endured to raise the children.
Despite inconveniences, Sagar pursued his education and completed his School Leaving Certificate (SLC) exam from Universal Cambridge English Boarding School, Bardaghat-13, Nawalparasi, in 2013. However, he had to leave his studies during his +2 (11th and 12th grade schooling) due to familial responsibilities.
Early Challenges and Determination
In 2014, Sagar ventured to India with his maternal uncle in search of employment as a G4 Security Guard at a company where his uncle had been working for some time now. Despite staying there for about six months and making every effort, including the issuance of a police clearance certificate to secure the job, luck did not favor him.
In 2015, a devastating 7.8M earthquake hit Nepal. Although his hometown remained unaffected, his family urged him to return. Dejected but not defeated, Sagar returned home.
Soon after, Sagar set his sights on the Gulf countries, where thousands of Nepalese migrate each year in pursuit of better income opportunities. Recommended by a close relative, Sagar approached VNVNEPAL, a manpower recruitment agency in Kathmandu.
In 2015, Sagar and around 10 of his close friends traveled to Kathmandu, hoping to apply for the position of Security Guard at genuine and reputed companies in the Gulf region. However, fate had other plans for him. Sagar applied for the position of Room Attendant at Four Points by Sheraton in Saudi Arabia under the guidance of VNVNEPAL. His friends, however, went separate ways. In reminiscence, Sagar nostalgically and humbly expresses, “That was perhaps the best decision of my life”.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
One of the biggest surprises for Sagar was learning that he did not have to pay any service fees for his overseas employment. His employer covered all expenses. Initially skeptical, when everything was unfolding as briefed to him, he was eventually convinced.
In just 15 days, Sagar’s visa was issued, and he flew to Saudi Arabia within a month. At Four Points by Sheraton, he began his career as a Room Attendant. After working in that position for a little more than two years, Sagar took in-house training and successfully applied for the role of Order Taker, a position he held for a year.
Driven by ambition, Sagar pursued additional training and seized an opportune moment to apply for the role of Supervisor. He was subsequently promoted and continued as a Supervisor for the next eight years. With a team of six employees reporting to him, Sagar felt a sense of accomplishment but also recognized that his journey was far from over.
Growth, Reflection, and Return Home
During his time in Saudi Arabia, most of Sagar’s colleagues were South Asians—primarily from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Among them, 25 were Nepalese, including himself. After working for nearly a decade, Sagar decided to take a break, return home, and spend time with his family.
On December 20, 2023, Sagar returned to Nepal. He spent quality time with his loved ones, built a two-storey house, and traveled to various parts of the country, including Lumbini, Palpa, Baglung, Pokhara, Kathmandu and many more.
Even though the company he resigned from a year ago would still welcome him with open arms, he decided to explore new opportunities elsewhere. He felt like if he got too comfortable with his life, that comfort would undoubtedly stagnate his potential for growth in the long run.
A New Chapter: UAE Bound
After a year-long break, Sagar felt ready to return to overseas employment. Confident in his decade-long experience, he didn’t seek recommendations this time. Instead, he revisited VNVNEPAL on his own volition — the agency which had helped him kickstart his career abroad.
This time, Sagar applied for the position of Housekeeping Supervisor at Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort in the UAE. Fortunately, he found a vacancy, and by January 2, 2025, he is set to fly to the UAE.
Although his current salary is slightly less than what he used to draw at Four Points, Saudi Arabia, Sagar is content with the service charges and benefits offered at Miramar, which collectively surpass his previous package. He remains ambitious and plans to take more training courses to achieve his goal of becoming a Manager in the near future.
Looking Ahead
Yet again, it took less than a month from the time of his visit to the deployment and now he’s going to the UAE with a "FREE VISA & FREE TICKET". Sagar believes that one day not only he, but many more Nepalese migrants-cum-expatriates will begin their journey under the banner of ethical recruitment principles with free visa & ticket and secure high-ranking positions in multiple renowned and prestigious 4- and 5-stars properties across the world in future.
Sagar is also thinking about getting married and settling down within the next two years. VNVNEPAL wishes him all the best for his future endeavours and commitments.
You can find out briefly about Sagar's story on our TikTok, shared in his native language, Nepali.: https://t.ly/5H6nM