Concerns Rise Over Visa Restrictions for Nepali Workers After ‘Gen Z’ Protests; UAE Reportedly Tightens Rules

KATHMANDU: Following the violent Gen Z movement that saw widespread vandalism and arson targeting both government offices and private businesses, fears are growing that several foreign countries may tighten visa regulations for Nepali workers. Business leaders and foreign employment officials have warned that the unrest could adversely affect Nepal’s overseas employment prospects — a key source of remittance and livelihood for millions.

According to business representatives said destination countries might begin imposing stricter visa screening processes after seeing Nepali youths involved in destructive activities during the protests. Officials have acknowledged that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has already begun rejecting some visa applications from Nepali nationals, believed to be linked to the recent unrest.

A Nepali businessman told that UAE-based employers have started sending emails requesting that Nepal temporarily suspend the dispatch of workers under both tourist and employment visas.

Negative Impact on Nepal’s Labor Image

Labor migration expert Ganesh Gurung stated that the violence and destruction of factories and commercial buildings have sent a “negative message” to destination countries. “In the Gulf, we have seen some Nepali workers already involved in disputes, strikes, and conflicts. The recent incidents at home could worsen Nepal’s reputation further,” he said.

Gurung added that while the protests may increase unemployment within Nepal, the number of people seeking foreign employment will also rise. However, he cautioned that such unrest creates additional challenges abroad: “Destination countries like the UAE might become more rigid in issuing visas. Even Nepalis currently residing there might face closer scrutiny.”

NRs 80 Billion in Damages, 15,000 Jobs Affected

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has made a preliminary estimate that private sector losses from vandalism and arson amount to around NRs 80 billion. Physical damage to private businesses has reportedly impacted over 15,000 jobs, the federation said.

No Immediate Rise in Outmigration, Government Says

According to Meghnath Rimal, Assistant Spokesperson at the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, there has not yet been a noticeable increase in the number of Nepalis leaving for foreign employment. Between September 10 and September 22, roughly 29,000 Nepalis obtained labor permits, a figure consistent with regular trends.

“It is still too early to assess the long-term impact of the movement on foreign employment,” Rimal said. “We are still studying the situation, and the ministry has not yet adopted an official stance on the matter.”

UAE Visa Restrictions Raise Alarm

The UAE recently imposed temporary restrictions on tourist and employment visas for citizens from nine countries, citing security and administrative reasons. The list reportedly includes Bangladesh and Afghanistan from South Asia — though Nepal was not officially mentioned.

However, multiple sources confirmed to Fiscal Nepal that the UAE has already denied visas to some Nepali applicants in the aftermath of the Gen Z protests.

Former General Secretary of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA), Meghnath Bhurtel, said several UAE employers have begun advising Nepali recruitment firms not to send workers for the time being.

“We’ve received formal emails from Dubai-based clients informing us that both tourist and work visas for Nepalis are currently suspended,” Bhurtel said.

He added that the initial delay in visa processing for Nepali cricket players traveling to Sharjah was also linked to the same policy tightening. The issue was later resolved after intervention by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), allowing the national team to travel to the UAE to play against the West Indies.

Bhurtel further said there are rumors that Qatar and Malaysia may also temporarily restrict visas for Nepalis, although there has been no official confirmation so far.

Gulf Countries Remain Key Labor Destinations

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar remain among the largest labor destinations for Nepali migrant workers, particularly those in unskilled and semi-skilled categories.

Government data show that in the last fiscal year, over 939,000 Nepalis received labor permits, out of which 264,000 went to the UAE alone.

Experts warn that if Gulf nations impose stricter visa rules, it could have serious economic consequences for Nepal, including a drop in remittance inflows and rising unemployment at home.