New No Objection Certificate (NOC) mandate leaves Indian travellers stranded and out of pocket
Some Indian expatriates in the UAE are facing unexpected complications and losses of over Dh1,400 while returning from Nepal, due to a strictly enforced travel regulation requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, reported khaleejtimes.com.
Recent enforcement of Nepal’s NOC rule catches Indian expats off guard, causing last-minute travel disruptions and financial losses during return to the UAE.
The report quoted Dubai resident Manu Palerichal, who visited Nepal with his family during Eid, said they were informed about the NOC requirement only after landing in Kathmandu.
“It caught us off guard,” said Manu, the CEO of CLA Emirates.
With the Indian embassy located nearly 200 km away in Kathmandu and the family already in Pokhara, it was difficult to comply with the new rule promptly
He later returned to Kathmandu to secure the document, paying over Dh300 for four NOCs. “Luckily, the embassy was open on weekends,” he said, but added that many travellers were unaware of the rule and faced long waits or missed flights.
Similarly, Dubai resident Thabseer Ahmed discovered the requirement at the airport and missed his flight, losing Dh1,400. Attempts to reroute through India failed, and other GCC travellers like his friends from Kuwait and Qatar also faced similar financial setbacks.
According to Safeer Mohammed of Smart Travels, the NOC rule existed earlier but is now being strictly enforced due to system misuse, including incidents of human trafficking and tax evasion. “We are advising all travellers to Nepal to obtain a NOC in advance to avoid disruption,” he said.
To obtain the NOC, travellers must submit a passport-size photo, copies of passport and UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, air ticket, immigration stamp, and an application form, along with a fee of NPR 3,100 per person.
Travel agents are now urging clients to be cautious and well-informed. Manu echoed the sentiment, urging agents to issue clear advisories to avoid such distress. Safeer added that while travel from Nepal to India doesn’t pose issues, anyone returning to the UAE via Nepal must have the required NOC ready.
