KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 5

The Embassy of Nepal in Muscat has officially begun issuing labor permit to Nepali workers who are legally employed in Oman but had not previously obtained a labor permit from Nepal. This initiative, the first of its kind abroad, was launched on January 31, 2025, in Salalah, Oman.

Nepali workers currently employed in Oman without prior labor approval from Nepal can now apply for a Legalization Labor Permit at the Embassy of Nepal in Muscat. The process requires:

• Creating a profile in the Foreign Employment Information Management System (FEIMS)
• Uploading necessary documents and submitting an online application
• Appearing in person at the Embassy for biometric verification (photo and fingerprint submission)economic ties with the host country.

The Embassy organized a two-day special program in Salalah from January 31 to February 1, 2025, to mark the occasion. The event featured an interactive session with the Ambassador, labor awareness programs, financial literacy sessions, enrollment in the social security fund scheme, and passport-consular services. The provision of Legalization Labour Permit from the Embassy will greatly facilitate Nepali workers to receive several benefits as per the policy of the Government of Nepal, according to the press release issued by the Nepali Embassy in Muscat, Oman.

The legalization program was jointly inaugurated by Nepal's Ambassador to Oman, Dornath Aryal, and the Director General of the Department of Foreign Employment, Surya Bahadur Khatri. Technical support was provided by Naresh Prasad Das, a Computer Engineer from the department.

During the event, Ambassador Aryal highlighted the importance of labor permit legalization, emphasizing how it would facilitate social security benefits for Nepali workers and ensure the safe flow of remittances through legal channels. He also urged workers to abide by the rules, regulations, and cultural norms of Oman and engaged in an open dialogue to address their concerns.

Director General Khatri congratulated workers on this first-ever initiative and stressed the importance of obtaining labor approval. He cautioned against working abroad without proper authorization and responded to queries from the participants.

Many Nepali workers, especially those in Salalah-located about 1,100 kilometers from Muscat-expressed their gratitude, noting that the Embassy's direct outreach had made services such as passport renewal and labor permit legalization more accessible. The program saw active participation from Nepali community organizations, volunteers, and social clubs.

The initiative continued with an interactive session at Nepal House in Muscat on February 3, 2025, where Ambassador Aryal and Director General Khatri discussed key issues affecting Nepali workers, including labor rights and economic diplomacy. Representatives from Nepali organizations, banking officials, and social activists also shared their perspectives and concerns, the release further states.