KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the Nepal e-Authentication System, an online platform for consular document authentication, as part of its efforts to digitize public service delivery.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal officially inaugurated the system during a program at the Department of Consular Services in Singha Durbar on Thursday.
The ministry said the new platform is designed to simplify, modernize and improve the transparency of the consular authentication process for legal documents issued by government agencies, including academic certificates, recommendation letters and other official records.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Khanal said he was pleased that the first decision he made after assuming office as foreign minister had now been implemented. He expressed confidence that the digital system would set a new benchmark for efficient public service delivery.
Under the new system, applicants can now submit requests for consular authentication online from anywhere in the world. They will also be able to track the status of their applications, pay government fees online after approval, and schedule appointments to visit the Department of Consular Services only after completing all required procedures.
Previously, applicants often had to visit the department multiple times if documents were incomplete or contained errors. The ministry said the new online verification process will reduce unnecessary visits, saving both time and costs for service users.
According to the ministry, more than 112,000 Nepali students travel abroad for higher education each year, while around 400,000 people obtain labor permits for foreign employment annually. With the growing demand for document authentication driven by overseas study and employment, the ministry expects the new digital platform to significantly improve service efficiency.
The ministry noted that consular authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a standard diplomatic requirement for the international use of official documents and said the new system is intended to make the process faster, more convenient and technology-friendly.
