The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new requirement for Nepali citizens applying for visit and work visas, mandating the submission of a police clearance report issued by Nepal Police.
The UAE embassy in Kathmandu confirmed that all Nepali applicants must now provide the document as part of the visa process.
The move comes after the UAE temporarily ‘suspended’ the issuance of visit and work visas for Nepalis, citing security concerns following Gen Z protests. The suspension was not communicated to Nepali authorities at the time.
During the suspension, nearly 5,000 Nepali workers whose UAE work permits had already been approved were unable to travel. Many of these permits are now nearing expiry.
The UAE is a major destination for Nepali migrant workers. According to the Department of Foreign Employment, nearly 40 percent of labour approvals in the last fiscal year were for the UAE. A total of 201,148 workers received labour approval, excluding re-approvals, while the total rises to 274,590 when re-approvals are included.
Hom Karki is a reporter with two decades experience covering migrant workers issues and the Nepali diaspora. He was previously based in the Gulf for Kantipur Daily.
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