1. Introduction to the Department of Foreign Employment

The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) is the principal authority of the Government of Nepal responsible for managing, regulating, and promoting foreign employment. It was established under the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security to oversee all matters relating to Nepali migrant workers and manpower agencies. The DoFE ensures the safe migration of workers through the verification of demand letters, issuance of labor approvals, and monitoring of manpower companies. It aims to make foreign employment transparent, accountable, and lawful while safeguarding the rights and welfare of Nepali citizens seeking work abroad. The Department also supervises agencies, collects labor data, and coordinates with embassies abroad to handle labor-related grievances and assistance.

2. Legal Foundation of the Department of Foreign Employment

The legal authority of the Department of Foreign Employment is derived from the Foreign Employment Act, 2064 (2007) and the Foreign Employment Rules, 2064 (2007). These legal instruments define the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Department. The Act authorizes the DoFE to issue and renew manpower licenses, approve labor demands, inspect agencies, and impose penalties for violations. Rule 4 of the Foreign Employment Rules elaborates on the functions of the Department, including the maintenance of records, management of the welfare fund, and enforcement of foreign employment policies. The DoFE also acts in accordance with related legal frameworks such as the Labor Act, 2074 (2017) and government directives issued periodically by the Ministry.

3. Organizational Structure and Administrative Framework

The DoFE operates under a structured administrative framework led by the Director General, supported by deputy directors and specialized divisions. The Department has dedicated units for manpower licensing, labor approval, monitoring, legal affairs, welfare, and digital services. Regional and provincial labor offices assist in document verification and inspection. Each unit is responsible for specific functions—licensing oversees manpower company registration, while the welfare section manages worker insurance and funds. Coordination among these divisions ensures efficient service delivery. The structure also supports decentralization, allowing sub-offices to handle applications and local-level monitoring under the national regulatory umbrella.

4. Main Objectives and Functions of the Department

The primary objective of the DoFE is to regulate foreign employment and ensure safe and lawful labor migration. Its core functions include:

• Licensing manpower agencies for overseas employment operations.

• Issuing pre-approval and final labor approval to workers.

• Monitoring recruitment practices and ensuring fair treatment.

• Managing the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund.

• Maintaining statistical data on migrant workers.

• Providing training and awareness on safe migration.
  These functions collectively aim to promote transparency, prevent exploitation, and enhance the effectiveness of Nepal’s labor migration governance.

5. Process for Registering Manpower Companies at DoFE

To register a manpower company at the DoFE, applicants must first incorporate a private limited company under the Companies Act, 2063. After registration, the company submits a manpower license application to the Department. The general process includes:

1. Preparation of documents and bank guarantee.

2. Submission of application to the DoFE.

3. Office inspection and verification of physical infrastructure.

4. Evaluation of promoters’ eligibility and background.

5. Approval and issuance of manpower license.
   The Department ensures all companies comply with the standards prescribed in the Foreign Employment Act before granting permission to operate.

6. Required Documents for Manpower Company Registration

Applicants must submit the following documents to the DoFE when applying for manpower company registration:

• Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum & Articles of Association.

• PAN and tax clearance certificate.

• Office lease agreement and property ownership documents.

• Citizenship certificates of promoters and directors.

• Character certificate and bio-data of promoters.

• Bank guarantee of NPR 20,00,000 or more as security.

• Proof of minimum paid-up capital.

• Application form prescribed by the DoFE.

• Audit report and shareholder resolution.
  Each document must be duly notarized and verified to ensure authenticity and compliance.

7. Process for Obtaining Individual Work Approval Abroad

The DoFE requires all Nepali citizens traveling abroad for employment to obtain individual labor approval before departure. The process involves:

1. Submitting employment demand letter and contract verified by the Nepali Embassy.

2. Medical examination from an approved medical center.

3. Orientation training completion certificate.

4. Travel insurance and welfare fund payment.

5. Application submission through the DoFE online portal.

6. Verification by the Department and issuance of approval sticker.
   This process ensures that the worker’s employment conditions are genuine, transparent, and in compliance with Nepalese law.

8. Digital Services and Online DoFE Portal Features

The DoFE Online Portal (dofe.gov.np) provides digital access to foreign employment services. Through the system, users can:

• Apply for labor approval and renew licenses.

• Track application status in real time.

• Access the list of licensed manpower companies.

• Submit online grievances or complaints.

• Verify demand letters and employment contracts.
  The portal integrates with the Foreign Employment Information Management System (FEIMS), enabling data sharing with embassies and other authorities. This digital transition supports transparency and efficiency in foreign employment administration.

9. Timeline and Processing Duration for Applications

The processing time for applications at the DoFE varies depending on the service type. Manpower license registration generally takes 30 to 45 days, including inspection and verification. Renewal applications are processed within 15 working days, while individual labor approvals are usually granted within 3 to 5 days after submission. Online applications through the DoFE portal have significantly reduced manual delays. However, incomplete documentation or non-compliance with requirements may cause additional processing time, which applicants should consider when planning.

10. Government Fees and Payment Requirements Explained

The DoFE charges specific fees for its services, as prescribed by the Foreign Employment Rules, 2064.

• Application fee for manpower license: NPR 25,000.

• Renewal fee: NPR 10,000 annually.

• Labor approval service charge: NPR 700 per worker.

• Welfare fund contribution: NPR 1,500 per worker.

• Demand letter verification and inspection charges as applicable.
  All payments must be deposited through the government’s revenue account. The Department issues receipts for transparency and requires applicants to maintain payment records for future reference.

11. Worker Welfare and Insurance Requirements at DoFE

The DoFE mandates that all departing workers be insured under the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund, which provides compensation in cases of injury, death, or emergency repatriation. Employers and manpower agencies contribute to this fund. Workers must also obtain life and accidental insurance before departure. The Department manages claims and coordinates with insurance companies and embassies to facilitate payouts. This system ensures social protection and financial security for workers and their families while they are abroad under approved contracts.

12. Inspection, Monitoring, and Compliance Verification

The Department conducts periodic inspections of manpower agencies to verify compliance with licensing conditions, office standards, and ethical recruitment practices. Monitoring teams review financial records, worker complaints, and recruitment procedures. The DoFE also coordinates with law enforcement and provincial offices to address fraudulent activities and illegal recruitment. Violations may result in penalties, suspension, or license revocation under the Foreign Employment Act, 2064. The inspection system is designed to maintain discipline and protect workers from exploitation or unauthorized practices.

13. Grievance Handling and Complaint Submission Process

Workers and stakeholders can submit complaints to the DoFE if they experience fraud, contract breach, or non-payment issues. Complaints can be filed:

• In person at the DoFE office.

• Online through the grievance portal.

• Via Nepali embassies abroad.
  The Department reviews cases, investigates, and may take administrative or legal action. In severe cases, files are referred to the Foreign Employment Tribunal. This process ensures accountability and provides access to justice for victims of unethical recruitment or exploitation.

14. Role of Medha Law and Partners in DoFE Matters

Medha Law and Partners assists individuals and companies in all matters related to the Department of Foreign Employment. The firm provides:

• Legal advice on manpower licensing and compliance.

• Documentation and representation before the DoFE.

• Assistance in preparing bank guarantees and renewal filings.

• Guidance on worker welfare, grievance cases, and appeal procedures.

• Drafting of employment contracts and demand verifications.
  Through experienced legal professionals, the firm ensures that clients meet all regulatory standards and obtain approvals efficiently and lawfully.

15. Conclusion and Key Guidance for Applicants

The Department of Foreign Employment plays a central role in managing Nepal’s overseas labor sector. Understanding its procedures, documentation standards, and compliance requirements helps manpower agencies and workers operate within the law. Applicants should maintain transparency, submit complete records, and seek professional legal support to minimize errors. Medha Law and Partners offers full legal assistance to ensure that licensing, renewals, and approvals proceed smoothly and in full accordance with Nepal’s foreign employment regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Department of Foreign Employment?
It is a government body under the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security responsible for regulating foreign employment, licensing manpower agencies, and ensuring worker welfare and safety for Nepali citizens working abroad.

2. Where is the DoFE office located?
The Department of Foreign Employment is headquartered in Tahachal, Kathmandu, Nepal. It also operates provincial offices and service centers to manage documentation, worker approvals, and inspection duties across the country.

3. How to register manpower company?
A manpower company must be registered under the Companies Act, 2063 and then apply for a manpower license at the DoFE by submitting required documents, bank guarantee, and completing inspection and approval procedures.

4. What documents are needed for registration?
Documents include company registration certificate, tax clearance, office lease, citizenships of promoters, bank guarantee of NPR 20,00,000, and proof of capital investment, as prescribed by the Foreign Employment Rules.

5. How long does DoFE process take?
The process for manpower license registration typically takes around 30 to 45 days, while individual worker approvals are generally completed within three to five working days depending on document verification.

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6. What fees are payable at DoFE?
Applicants must pay official fees for applications, renewals, and approvals, such as NPR 25,000 for manpower license registration and NPR 1,500 per worker as welfare fund contribution.

7. How to get individual work approval?
Applicants apply online through the DoFE portal, submit employment contracts, orientation certificates, insurance proof, and medical test results for approval verification and sticker issuance.

8. What laws govern foreign employment process?
The Foreign Employment Act, 2064 (2007) and Foreign Employment Rules, 2064 (2007) govern the entire process, supported by directives from the Ministry of Labour and related legal guidelines.

9. How to file complaint at DoFE?
Complaints can be filed online through the DoFE grievance portal or submitted in person at the Department office or Nepali embassies abroad for review and investigation.

10. Can Medha Law assist with DoFE cases?
Yes, Medha Law and Partners provides comprehensive legal support for documentation, licensing, renewals, compliance, and representation before the DoFE and related authorities.