1,700 Nepali workers stuck as EPS flight schedules face delays

Kathmandu, February 23 — Nepali workers bound for South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) have raised concerns about delays in their flights. Despite having visas approved, they are stuck waiting for flight schedules, leaving them in a difficult situation.

Many workers, who have completed all the necessary procedures under the EPS program, are unable to depart due to the lack of available flights. With a total of 1,700 workers waiting, some fear that their visas may expire before they can leave.

One worker expressed frustration, saying, “The Nepal and South Korean governments’ agreement requires workers to join their employers within a certain time frame, but with the limited number of flights, more than 1,700 Nepali workers are in uncertainty.”

Some workers have already seen their visa validity expire, leaving them without jobs. The workers are now urging the government to either increase the number of regular flights, arrange chartered flights, or find alternative solutions.

The issue has also been raised with the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security. The Foreign Employment Department, through the EPS office, has confirmed that all those with valid visas will be able to fly.

According to Kamal Shrestha, an official from the EPS branch office, flight schedules for March have already been announced, with 355 workers scheduled for the first week, 625 for the second, and 800 for the third and fourth weeks. 

In total, about 1,800 workers will be able to depart for South Korea in March. Additionally, flight schedules for April and May are expected to be released soon.

Due to the tender process for flights to South Korea, there have been some delays. Previously, direct flights were available, but now, flights are being routed through transit, resulting in reduced airfare, which is now 48,665 rupees, compared to the previous fare of 123,000 rupees.

The delay in flight schedules is also attributed to holidays in South Korea and the tender process. Workers whose visas are in danger of cancellation will be given priority, and alternative arrangements will be made for them.

The EPS office has assured workers that delays caused by holidays and the tender process will soon be resolved, and regular flights will resume.