KATHMANDU: The Department of Foreign Employment has taken action against 39 manpower companies for sending Nepali workers abroad through Indian airports without obtaining prior approval from the department.

According to the department, the companies were found to have repeatedly sent workers through Indian airports without permission and have each been fined Rs 50,000.
In addition, 124 manpower companies have also been fined Rs 50,000 each for failing to submit the details requested by the department.

The department had sought information on workers sent abroad between March 14, 2026, and June 14, 2026, to monitor whether manpower companies were complying with Section 22 of the Foreign Employment Act, 2007, which requires the use of Nepali airports when sending workers for foreign employment.

However, 124 companies did not provide the requested details, leading to further action against them.
Under the law, manpower companies must use airports within Nepal when sending workers abroad for employment. If it is not possible to depart from Nepal, they must explain the reason and obtain prior approval from the department before using an Indian airport.