Shram Swikriti (Labour Permit) in Nepal: Process, Documents & Fees

What Is Shram Swikriti?

Shram Swikriti, also called Labour Approval or Labour Permit, is an official approval for Nepali workers going abroad for employment. It is issued through the Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE). It confirms that the worker has completed the required process before leaving Nepal for work.

Shram Swikriti is different from a work visa or work permit. A visa allows you to enter a foreign country for a specific purpose. A work permit gives you permission to work there. Shram Swikriti is the approval you need from the Nepal side for foreign employment. So, having a work visa does not mean your Nepal-side process is complete.

Today, most of the Shram Swikriti process is handled online through FEIMS. It includes filling out your details, completing required tests and orientation, making payments, and submitting documents.

Who Needs Shram Swikriti in Nepal?

If you are going abroad to work, you generally need Shram Swikriti before leaving Nepal.

• Going abroad for work for the first time: Apply for a new labour approval.
• Taking up another foreign job: Apply under the relevant category based on your situation.
• Returning to a foreign job: Renew or reapply for labour approval as required.

However, Shram Swikriti is not required for every international trip. Tourists, students, and people travelling for other non-work purposes follow different processes.

Why Is Shram Swikriti Important for Nepali Workers?

Shram Swikriti is more than just paperwork. It helps you complete your foreign employment process through the proper system.

It can help you:

• Keep an official record of your foreign employment
• Complete required insurance and welfare payments
• Follow required medical and orientation procedures
• Access applicable worker protection and welfare services
• Reduce the risks of informal foreign employment

Most importantly, a job offer alone is not enough. Check the employer, job, salary, contract, and recruitment process before you leave Nepal. This can help you avoid problems after reaching your destination.

How to Get a Shram Swikriti (Labor Permit) in Nepal?

You can apply for Shram Swikriti online through the Foreign Employment Information Management System (FEIMS) by entering your details, completing the required orientation and medical steps, making the required payments, and submitting your documents for approval. The exact process can vary by application type, so make sure you select the correct option and provide accurate information. Here is the step-by-step process.

1. Log In to the FEIMS Portal

Visit the official FEIMS portal and select the login option for Nepali workers going abroad for employment. Enter your latest passport number and the required details to access your account.

If you are using FEIMS for the first time, you may need to create your individual user profile. The system also provides password recovery through your registered email or mobile number.

2. Select the Right Application Type

After logging in, select the application type that matches your situation. FEIMS currently handles different categories, including new, re-entry, and re-legalisation labour permits. Choose the correct option before moving ahead. This is especially important if you have worked abroad before or are returning to the same or another foreign job.

3. Enter Your Personal Details

Fill in your personal information as shown on your official documents. This may include your basic details, passport information, bank details, and family information. Check every field before moving forward. Even a small error in your personal or passport details can cause problems during verification.

4. Add Your Employment and Destination Details

Next, enter details about the job you are taking abroad. This includes information such as your destination country, employer, job or skill category, salary, and other employment details required by the application.

Make sure these details match your visa, employment contract, and other supporting documents. If the information does not match, your application may face delays or require further verification.

5. Complete PDOT and Medical Examination

Complete the required Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) through the appropriate institution. You also need to complete the required medical examination through the designated health-testing process.

Note: DOFE's current guidance says you should receive both the PDOT and medical results before moving on to the required insurance and fund payments.

6. Pay the Required Fees and Contributions

Once your required results are available, pay the applicable insurance, Social Security Fund, and Foreign Employment Welfare Fund amounts online. The amount for insurance can vary based on your age.

Keep your payment receipts after completing the transaction. You may need them as part of your records during the labour approval process.

7. Upload the Required Documents

Scan and upload the documents required for your application. These can include your passport, valid visa, employment agreement, employer-related documents, self-declaration, and other documents based on your destination or application type.

For example, DOFE currently requires a passport with more than 90 days of validity for new labour approval. Some destinations may also require embassy attestation or translated documents.

8. Review and Submit Your Application

Review all your details and uploaded documents before submitting the form. Check your name, passport number, employer, job, salary, destination, and other important information carefully. Once everything is correct, submit the application to the selected labour approval office. Save the reference or application details shown after submission for future tracking.

9. Check Your Application Status

After submitting your application, check its status through the FEIMS system. DOFE provides online services for checking labour approval applications and related records.

If DOFE asks for additional information or documents, provide them as soon as possible. This can help avoid unnecessary delays in the approval process.

10. Download and Verify Your Shram Swikriti

Once your application is approved, access your labour approval details through the official system. Download or save your approval document and check that your key details are correct.

Keep both digital and physical copies of your Shram Swikriti, passport, visa, contract, insurance, medical, and other important documents. DOFE also advises workers to keep copies of these records with a trusted family member or guardian.

What Documents are Required for Shram Swikriti in Nepal?

For a new Shram Swikriti, some key documents include a valid passport, employment visa, employment contract, self-declaration, PDOT and medical examination documents. You may also need employer-related documents, embassy attestation, or translated documents depending on your destination and application.

The exact requirements can vary by your destination, application type, and employment route. The table below gives you a detailed checklist and explains what you need for each document.

Keep in mind: This is a general checklist. DOFE may require additional documents based on your country, employer, visa, or type of labour approval. Check the latest requirements before submitting your application.

How Much Does Shram Swikriti (Labor Permit) Cost?

There is no single cost for Shram Swikriti. Your total expense depends on the required government contributions and services you need to complete the process.

Based on the current DOFE information, the main costs include:

• Foreign employment insurance: The amount varies by age.
• Social Security Fund: Rs. 2,308.
• Foreign Employment Welfare Fund: Rs. 1,500.
• Medical examination: The cost depends on the approved medical centre.
• PDOT: The orientation centre may charge a separate fee.
• Other applicable charges: These may apply based on your application and destination.

So, don't treat the government contribution as your total labour approval cost. Medical, orientation, and other service charges can increase the amount you actually spend. Check the latest DOFE rates before making any payment.

How to Check Shram Swikriti Status Online?

You can check your labour approval status through the FEIMS portal after submitting your application. DOFE also provides online services to check labour approval and related sticker details.

1. Check Your Labour Approval Through FEIMS

Log in to your FEIMS account and check the status of your submitted application. Keep your application or reference details handy when checking the status.

2. Check Your Labour Approval or Sticker Details

DOFE also provides a Labour Approval/Sticker Search service. Use it to verify your approved labour details before travelling.

What to Do If Your Application Is Delayed or Rejected

First, check whether DOFE has requested additional documents or corrections. Fix the issue and resubmit the required information as instructed. If you are unsure about the reason, contact the relevant DOFE office for clarification.

How to Find a Foreign Job Before Applying for Shram Swikriti?

You can find a foreign job through reliable job platforms, licensed recruitment agencies, and verified employers. Before accepting an offer, check the job details, employer, salary, benefits, and employment contract carefully. Here are the key things to check before moving ahead with a foreign job opportunity.

1. Look for the Complete Job Description

Don't apply based on a job title alone. Check the job duties, location, required skills, experience, working hours, salary, and benefits before applying. A complete job description gives you a clearer idea of what the job actually involves. It also helps you compare the offer with other opportunities.

2. Research the Employer

Take some time to learn about the company offering you the job. Check its name, location, business details, website, and reputation before sharing documents or making payments.If a recruiter is involved, also check whether the recruitment agency is properly licensed.

3. Compare Salary and Benefits

Don't look at the salary alone. Compare the full package, including accommodation, food, transportation, overtime, insurance, leave, and other benefits. Also check which expenses you will have to pay yourself. A higher salary may not always mean a better offer if living costs and deductions are also higher.

4. Understand the Employment Contract

Read your contract before accepting the job. Make sure the job title, salary, working hours, contract period, benefits, deductions, and other conditions match what you were promised.

If something is unclear, ask the employer or recruiter before signing. Once you understand the contract, you can also make sure the details match your visa and Shram Swikriti application.

5. Use Established Job Platforms and Licensed Recruitment Channels

Start your search through reliable job platforms and licensed recruitment agencies rather than depending only on informal social media posts or unknown agents. This gives you a better way to check job details and the source of the vacancy.

For Nepali job seekers, Kumari Job provides a platform to explore job opportunities and connect with employers and recruitment services. You can use the available job information to compare opportunities before deciding which one is right for you.

Shram Swikriti vs Work Visa vs Employment Contract

These three documents serve different purposes. Your employment contract sets the terms of your job, your work visa allows you to enter and work in the destination country, and Shram Swikriti confirms that you have completed the required foreign employment process from Nepal. The table below explains who issues each one and what it means for you.

How Kumari Job Can Help You Find Better Career Opportunities?

Before you apply for Shram Swikriti, you first need a foreign employment opportunity to apply for. This is where a reliable job platform can help you find suitable international vacancies and understand the opportunity before starting the labour approval process.

1. Easy Job Hunting

Kumari Job lists international job opportunities associated with overseas companies, along with other local vacancies. You can search by role, location, experience, and other preferences. The Kumari Job app also offers job notifications and AI-powered profile matching to help you discover relevant opportunities faster.

2. Develop Skills Through Career Training

If you need to improve your skills before applying, Kumari Job also offers job-oriented training and professional courses. These can help you build practical skills and prepare for the requirements of your target job.

3. Build a Stronger CV Before Applying

A good CV can improve your chances of getting shortlisted. Use relevant job listings to understand the skills and experience employers are looking for, then highlight those strengths in your CV. We also provide CV-writing and interview preparation sessions at the end of all our training classes. Moreover, follow Kumari Job to never miss a CV or job preparation workshops.

4. Understand What Employers Are Looking For

Job listings can show you the skills, qualifications, salary ranges, and experience employers currently seek. Use this information to compare opportunities and prepare before applying.

Note: Kumari Job helps you find and prepare for career opportunities. DOFE and FEIMS handle the official Shram Swikriti process.