Kathmandu, July 12 -- immolation and subsequent death of Ganesh Nepali, a ride-sharing driver, has brought renewed attention to the precarious working conditions faced by thousands of workers in Nepal's rapidly expanding digital gig economy.

Working at their own expense and risk, ride-sharing drivers navigate Kathmandu's streets without any guarantee of a minimum income while facing mounting financial pressure, traffic enforcement and limited legal protection. Experts say Nepal's labour laws have failed to keep pace with platform-based employment, leaving gig workers caught between traditional employment regulations and rapidly evolving digital business models.

Sujan Magar, a Pathao rider for the past two-and-a-half years, said the inci...