KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 11

Nepali citizens holding valid Foreign Employment Permits (FEP) are now exempt from the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement for travel to labor destination countries via airports in India.

The Nepali Embassy in New Delhi announced the update, stating that individuals with valid FEPs issued by the Department of Foreign Employment in Nepal do not need to obtain an NOC. The authenticity of FEPs can be verified online.

Additionally, Nepali citizens with valid residence cards or visas for countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Schengen nations are also not required to secure an NOC.

However, under the new regulations, Nepali citizens traveling to specific countries-including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, and Russia-must obtain an NOC from the Embassy or the Department of Consular Services. Exemptions apply for those holding Russian Government scholarships or business visas.

Further, holders of Nepali Diplomatic, Official, or Service Passports, minors under 16, and United Nations Laissez-Passer (UNLP) holders are also exempt from the NOC requirement.

Applications for an NOC must be emailed to the Embassy with supporting documents at least seven days before travel. The processing fee is INR 1,000 per applicant, payable via bank transfer or QR code, the notice further reads.