UAE opens embassy in Kathmandu, much to delight of Nepalis

ABU DHABI // The UAE opened its first mission in Kathmandu on Tuesday and Nepalis said they hoped it would end exploitation by recruitment agencies of those looking for work in the UAE.

The embassy was opened by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

For many years workers have had to pay large amounts of money to get even a visit visa, but the embassy will now provide consular and visa services.

Nepalese expatriates thought the opening was good news.

“A UAE mission in our country is a great help for us as always we have to pay a huge amount of money to agencies for visas and other consular services,” said Dipak Thakuri, an Abu Dhabi taxi driver.

“For tourist visas, they charge 100,000 Nepalese rupees [Dh3,445] or more. Now this is going to end. I paid 250,000 Nepalese rupees to the agent for my work visa, and now it comes for free.

“I knew that he charged me a huge amount but we can’t do anything. Most people realise that when they reach the UAE, how they were exploited.”

Agents would charge up to Dh5,000 for a month’s tourist visa, which sometimes included an air ticket. But that same visa can be obtained in Abu Dhabi for about Dh350. The new embassy will ensure prices are transparent.

“Now the process will be hassle-free and we will get rid of unscrupulous agencies to exploit poor Nepalese,” said Sudip Karki, head of the Non-Resident Nepalese Association, while thanking the Government for opening the mission.

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