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Several Indian residents of the UAE have faced unexpected delays and financial losses during recent trips to Nepal after a lesser-known travel regulation was suddenly enforced. The rule requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian embassy in Nepal for Indian nationals returning to the Gulf, and many travellers say they were unaware of this requirement until it was too late, according to a report by Khaleej Times.
Dubai-based Manu Palerichal, CEO of CLA Emirates, told Khaleej Times that his Eid break vacation to Nepal turned stressful when immigration officers informed him of the NOC requirement upon landing in Kathmandu. “It caught us off guard because no one had informed us about this beforehand,” he said.
Manu and his family had already travelled to Pokhara, nearly 200km away from the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, making it difficult to secure the document. He returned to Kathmandu later and managed to get the NOC, but only after facing uncertainty and additional travel costs.
Travel agents in the UAE confirmed that the rule has existed for some time but has only recently been enforced strictly. “Authorities found people misusing the system, including in cases of human trafficking and tax evasion,” said Safeer Mohammed, general manager of Smart Travels. “We now advise all clients to get the NOC well in advance.”
Thabseer Ahmed, another UAE resident, lost over Dh1,400 due to this rule. “We found out about the NOC only at the airport in Nepal while heading back from our holiday,” he said to Khaleej Times. As his return flight was at 3 a.m. on a Sunday, he was unable to access embassy help in time and missed his flight. “I tried flying via New Delhi, but I had to book a new ticket to Dubai once I arrived,” he added.
Other travellers from GCC countries, including Kuwait and Qatar, also lost money on rebooked tickets due to last-minute changes.
To obtain the NOC, travellers must submit passport-sized photographs, copies of their passport and UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, immigration stamp, flight tickets, and an application form. The cost is 3,100 Nepali rupees per person.
“Since Nepal is close by, many Indian expats in the Gulf choose it for short breaks,” said Manu to Khaleej Times. “Travel agents must clearly inform travellers about the NOC rule to avoid unnecessary trouble.”
Safeer also advised Indian nationals in the UAE who are planning trips through Nepal to ensure they check the latest travel advisories. “Anyone returning to the UAE via Nepal must have the NOC in hand before flying.”
