Complete 2026 Guide to Nepal's Foreign Employment Permit Process for GCC Workers

Who can apply for a Nepal foreign employment permit GCC

Any Nepali citizen aged 18 to 55 with a valid passport and a medical fitness certificate can apply for a foreign employment permit to work in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The Foreign Employment Board also requires a clean police clearance and a signed consent letter from the applicant's family if the worker is under 21. Recent amendments to the Foreign Employment Act tightened age limits and made pre‑departure orientation mandatory before travel.

Documents you need

• Original passport with at least six months validity
• Two recent passport‑size photos
• Medical report from a government‑approved hospital
• Police clearance certificate issued within the last three months
• Signed employment contract or offer letter from the Gulf employer
• Agency agreement with a Ministry‑licensed recruiting agency
• Proof of payment of the FEB service fee

All documents must be notarised and then attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before submission.

Step‑by‑step permit procedure

1. Choose a licensed agency

Check the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security's online agency registry. The registry lists hundreds of licensed agencies authorised for Gulf placements. Pick one that specialises in your target country and verify its licence number and validity date before signing anything.

2. Sign the agency agreement

The agreement spells out the agency's service charge, the employer's responsibilities, and the worker's rights. Keep a copy for your records.

3. Submit the application to FEB

Fill out the online permit form on the FEB portal, upload scanned copies of the documents above, and pay the processing fee. The portal generates a reference number you'll need for tracking.

4. Document attestation

After the online submission, the agency forwards the original documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation. This step usually takes three to five working days.

5. Permit issuance

Once attested, the FEB issues the foreign employment permit (often called a labour approval) within seven to ten working days. The permit is emailed to the applicant and the agency.

Pre‑departure orientation

The mandatory orientation is conducted by FEB‑approved centres. Sessions typically run for two to three days and cover labour rights, local laws, cultural norms, and emergency procedures in the destination country. Check the FEB portal for the current schedule and approved centre locations before booking your session.

Fee structure

The Foreign Employment Board publishes its fee schedule in the Nepal Gazette. The latest schedule lists core charges for permit processing, medical verification, and a cap on agency service fees for GCC destinations. Fees are subject to revision without prior notice, so always confirm current rates on the FEB website before making any payment.

Approved recruiting agencies for Gulf placements

The Ministry's registry is the definitive source. Agencies appear with a licence number, validity date, and the list of countries they are authorised to serve. Workers should verify the licence number on the registry before signing any contract. Always cross‑check the official registry for the most up‑to‑date information.

Renewal, extension and sponsorship transfer

Renewal

A permit is valid for two years. To renew, submit a renewal application at least 30 days before expiry, together with a fresh medical report, updated police clearance, and a letter from the employer confirming continued employment. The renewal fee follows the same structure as the original processing fee.

Extension

If the employer requests a longer stay beyond the permit's term, the worker must apply for an extension through the same portal, providing a justified reason and the employer's consent. Extensions are granted for up to one additional year.

Sponsorship transfer

Changing employers inside the same GCC country requires a No‑Objection Certificate from the current sponsor, a new employment contract, and a fresh permit application. The FEB processes transfers within 10 to 15 working days, provided the worker's previous permit is still valid.

Filing complaints and seeking redress

Workers who face contract violations, unpaid wages, or agency misconduct can lodge a complaint with the Foreign Employment Tribunal or the local Labour Office. The FET accepts online filings via its portal; a hearing is typically scheduled within 45 days. The Labour Office can mediate disputes and, if necessary, issue a directive to the employer or agency. Keep copies of all correspondence, contracts, and payment receipts — they are essential evidence.

Quick checklist before you depart

• Permit printed and laminated
• Passport with valid visa for the destination GCC state
• Medical and police certificates in original
• Agency agreement and employer contract
• Emergency contact numbers for the Nepali embassy in the host country

Following these steps and keeping documentation organised will smooth the journey from Kathmandu to the Gulf and help protect your rights throughout the employment period.