Work permits halted in 12 Middle East & Gulf nations immediately
Both individual and institutional approvals issued through the ministry’s departments and offices are now on hold.
KATHMANDU: In response to escalating instability in the Middle East and the Gulf region, the Nepalese government has temporarily halted the issuance of labor permits to Nepali workers seeking employment in affected countries.
The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security announced that work permits to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel have been suspended until further notice. Both individual and institutional approvals issued through the ministry’s departments and offices are now on hold.
“The safety and welfare of Nepali workers remain our top priority,” the ministry said, adding that the decision, effective from March 1, will remain in place until the situation stabilizes.
The suspension affects thousands of prospective migrant workers planning to travel to the Middle East and Gulf countries for employment. Authorities have stressed that permits will be reissued once conditions improve in the region.
