Why is Nepal Cautioning Citizens Traveling to Gulf Countries via India?
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Synopsis
In light of rising detentions, Nepal urges its citizens traveling to Gulf nations through India to avoid using fraudulent documents. The Nepali Embassy stresses the importance of securing necessary permits and NOCs, as many face serious consequences. With economic challenges driving migration, this advisory is crucial for aspiring workers.
Key Takeaways
- Always carry valid travel documents.
- Obtain labor permits and NOCs.
- Be aware of immigration regulations.
- Using fake documents can have serious consequences.
- Economic challenges are driving migration.
Kathmandu, May 19 (NationPress) On Monday, Nepal cautioned its citizens planning to travel to Gulf nations via India about the dangers of using fraudulent documents, highlighting a rise in detentions by immigration officials.
The Nepali Embassy in India has urged citizens seeking employment abroad to secure labour permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from Nepal's Department of Foreign Employment or the embassy in New Delhi.
Furthermore, the embassy emphasized that travel will not be authorized without an NOC.
In a recent advisory, it was reported that the Government of Nepal, through relevant authorities in India, observed an increase in individuals traveling through Indian airports to Gulf countries without the necessary labour approval and NOCs.
The embassy warned against the use of forged documents, mentioning that numerous Nepali citizens have encountered interrogation, detention, and even bans from flying.
Last year, the Nepal Embassy had relaxed NOC requirements for migrant workers using Indian airports, stating that Nepali citizens holding a valid foreign employment permit issued by the Department of Foreign Employment did not need an NOC while traveling through Indian airports.
The embassy's notice in November clarified that travelers heading to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Libya, and Lebanon via Indian airports must obtain an NOC.
Additionally, those traveling to Russia, except for scholarship recipients from the Russian government and business visa holders, must secure an NOC from either the embassy or the Department of Consular Services of Nepal.
A report from the prominent Nepalese daily, The Kathmandu Post, indicates that the escalating economic troubles and unemployment in Nepal are driving more individuals to seek work abroad.
Official figures from last year revealed that over 300,000 Nepalis have migrated, with the majority heading to Gulf states and Malaysia on work visas.
Point of View
We stand firmly with the nation in its efforts to protect its citizens. This advisory serves as a critical reminder of the importance of compliance with immigration regulations. In these challenging economic times, it is essential for individuals seeking opportunities abroad to do so responsibly and legally.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to travel to Gulf countries from Nepal?
You need to obtain a labor permit and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Foreign Employment or the Nepali embassy in India before traveling.
What are the consequences of using fake documents?
Using fraudulent documents can lead to interrogation, detention, and being barred from boarding flights.
Is an NOC required for all travelers to Gulf countries?
Yes, all travelers heading to Gulf countries through Indian airports must secure an NOC unless they have a valid foreign employment permit.
How many Nepalis have traveled abroad for work recently?
Last year, over 300,000 Nepalis traveled abroad, primarily to Gulf nations and Malaysia.
What recent changes were made regarding NOC requirements?
Last year, the embassy eased NOC requirements for Nepalis with valid foreign employment permits when traveling through Indian airports.
