Foreign Employment from Nepal — The Legal Process
How to go abroad for work safely and legally through the Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE) — labour permit, documents, and the Korea EPS route.
वैदेशिक रोजगारका लागि श्रम स्वीकृति (लेबर परमिट) लिने कानुनी प्रक्रिया — कागजात र सुरक्षित बसाइँसराइ।
Going abroad for work is legal and safe only through the Department of Foreign Employment (वैदेशिक रोजगार विभाग / DOFE). A DOFE labour permit (श्रम स्वीकृति) protects your rights, insurance and welfare fund benefits. Never travel on a visit visa for work — it removes all legal protection.
Helpline: The government foreign-employment helpline is 1135. Verify any manpower agency's licence on dofe.gov.np before paying anything.
The Gulf / Malaysia Route (Agency-based)
- Choose a licensed manpower agency. Confirm its DOFE licence — avoid unlicensed brokers (दलाल).
- Verify the demand letter approved by the Nepali embassy in the destination country.
- Sign a clear contract stating salary, job, hours and duration — read it fully.
- Medical check-up at a GAMCA-approved clinic.
- Buy mandatory insurance and pay into the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund.
- Attend Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) and receive your orientation certificate.
- Get your DOFE labour permit (sticker) — the final legal approval to fly.
⚠️ Fee limits: For many destinations, the "free visa, free ticket" policy means the employer bears visa and airfare costs. Be cautious of agents demanding large sums.
The Korea EPS-TOPIK Route
South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) is one of the most sought-after routes because of higher wages. It is government-to-government and does not use private agencies.
- Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test conducted by EPS Korea Section.
- Register and enter the job roster; selection is by employer preference.
- Complete skills tests for certain sectors (manufacturing, agriculture, etc.).
- Once selected, complete medical, contract and training before departure.
✅ EPS Korea is applied for directly through the government EPS system — no manpower agency and no large agent fee. Beware anyone claiming they can "guarantee" Korea selection for money.
Documents You'll Need
- Valid passport (see our passport guide).
- Citizenship certificate.
- Medical report (GAMCA-approved for Gulf).
- Signed employment contract and verified demand letter.
- Insurance and welfare-fund receipts.
- PDO orientation certificate.
Protect Yourself
- Never hand over money without an official receipt.
- Keep copies of your contract, permit and agency licence.
- Confirm the salary in the contract matches what you were promised verbally.
- Save the helpline 1135 and the Nepali embassy contact of your destination.
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