Foreign Employment Fraud in Nepal: How to File a Complaint & Get Justice (2025)

Did a manpower agent cheat you? Learn how to file a complaint at DOFE, recover your money, and take legal action against fraudulent recruitment agencies in Nepal.

The Bitter Reality of Foreign Employment Fraud

Every year, thousands of Nepalis pay lakhs of rupees to recruitment agencies (manpower companies) with dreams of working in Gulf countries, Malaysia, Korea, or Japan. Tragically, many are cheated.

Common scams include:

Taking money and disappearing
Sending workers to different (lower-paying) jobs than promised
Fake visa stamps
Charging fees above legal limits
Abandoning workers abroad without support

If you or your family has been cheated, you have legal options.

Where to File a Complaint?

Unlike regular fraud, foreign employment fraud is handled by specialized bodies:

1. Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE)

Location: New Baneshwor, Kathmandu

This is the primary body for foreign employment disputes.

What They Handle:

Complaints against licensed manpower agencies
Refund claims for failed placements
Contract violations
Fee overcharging

Process:

Write a formal complaint (Nibedan) describing the fraud.
Attach evidence: receipts, contracts, chat screenshots, passport copies.
Submit at DOFE’s complaint desk.
DOFE calls both parties for hearing.
If the agency is guilty, DOFE orders refund and may suspend/cancel their license.

Timeline: 1-3 months for resolution.

2. Foreign Employment Tribunal

For larger cases (amounts above NPR 30 Lakhs) or appeals against DOFE decisions, the Foreign Employment Tribunal is the next step.

Location: District Court Complex, Kathmandu

Process:

File a case with a lawyer.
Court proceedings similar to civil cases.
Can order compensation, jail time for agents.

3. Police (for Criminal Fraud)

If the agent has completely disappeared with your money or used fake documents, file an FIR at the District Police Office.

Outcome: Police investigation, arrest warrant, criminal prosecution under the Fraud Prevention Act.

What Evidence Do You Need?

Strong evidence = Strong case. Gather the following:

Evidence Type	Purpose
Payment receipts	Proves money was paid
Bank transfer statements	Shows amount paid (better than cash)
Contract/Agreement copy	Shows promised terms (job, salary, country)
Passport copy	Proves your identity
Chat messages (Viber/WhatsApp)	Shows agent’s promises and communications
Witness statements	Others who were cheated by the same agent
Visa copy (if received)	Shows if visa was real or fake

Pro Tip: If you paid in cash, it’s very hard to prove. Always insist on bank transfers and official receipts.

Legal Fee Limits: What’s Legal to Charge?

Under the Foreign Employment Act 2064, manpower agencies can only charge:

Country	Maximum Legal Fee
Malaysia	Free (Zero Cost policy)
Qatar	NPR 10,000
Saudi Arabia	NPR 70,000 - 1,00,000
UAE	NPR 70,000 - 1,00,000
Japan (TITP)	~NPR 50,000 (govt. program)
Korea (EPS)	~NPR 20,000 (govt. program)

If an agency charged you more, you can claim a refund for the excess amount + compensation.

Common Types of Fraud

1. “Visa Ready” Scam

How It Works: Agent says visa is already approved, demands immediate full payment. After payment, the agent disappears or delays indefinitely.

Red Flag: No legitimate agency can guarantee a “ready” visa without employer confirmation.

2. Job Switch Scam

How It Works: You’re promised a “Supervisor” job but land as a “Cleaner.” Contract in Nepal said one thing; contract abroad says another.

Your Right: If the job differs from the agreement signed in Nepal, you can file for compensation.

3. Fake Agency Scam

How It Works: Fraudsters set up fake offices, forge DOFE licenses, and collect money.

How to Verify: Check the agency’s license at the DOFE website or visit DOFE in person.

4. Abandonment

How It Works: Workers reach the destination country, but the agency provides no support. No job, no accommodation, left stranded.

Your Right: DOFE can blacklist the agency and facilitate your return.

Step-by-Step: Filing at DOFE

Prepare Your Documents
- Complaint letter (Nibedan) in Nepali
- Photocopies of all evidence
- Your Nagarikta (Citizenship)
Visit DOFE
- Go to New Baneshwor, Kathmandu
- Find the Complaint Registration Counter (Gunaso Darta)
- Submit your complaint and get a receipt
Wait for Hearing Date
- DOFE will summon the agency within 15-30 days
- Both parties present their case
DOFE Decision
- If agency is at fault: Refund order + possible license suspension
- If agency complies: Case closed
- If agency refuses: Case escalates to Tribunal or court

What If the Agent Fled the Country?

This is sadly common. Agents cheat people and run to the Gulf or Malaysia themselves.

Options:

Interpol Red Notice: For large-scale fraud, Nepal Police can request an Interpol notice.
Freeze Assets: If the agent owns property in Nepal, courts can freeze it.
Family Liability: In some cases, the agent’s family members (if they were business partners) can be held liable.

Prevention Tips

Before paying any agency:

Verify License: Check at DOFE Official Website.
Compare Fees: If one agency quotes NPR 5 Lakhs and another quotes NPR 8 Lakhs for the same country, something is wrong.
Pay by Bank: Never pay cash. Bank transfers create a legal record.
Read the Contract: The contract (Karar Patra) signed in Nepal is legally binding abroad.
Ask for Demand Letter: A genuine job requires an employer’s demand letter.

Conclusion

Being cheated by a manpower agency is devastating—you lose money, time, and hope. But Nepal has laws to protect migrant workers. Whether it’s filing at DOFE, going to the Tribunal, or pursuing a criminal case, justice is possible.

Don’t stay silent. Take action.

Disclaimer: Foreign employment cases are time-sensitive. The earlier you file, the better your chances of recovery. Contact us for urgent assistance.