Nepali Workers in Saudi: Contract Protection
Saudi Arabia employs hundreds of thousands of Nepali workers in construction, hospitality, security, and domestic sectors. Nepal has strong pre-departure protections including the free visa free ticket policy, but enforcement gaps remain. Here is how to protect yourself before and during employment.
Free Visa Free Ticket Policy
Since 2015, Nepal's government mandates that Saudi employers must pay for all visa fees, air tickets, and recruitment costs. Nepali workers should pay zero for these items. This is enforced through the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE).
In practice, some recruitment agencies still charge workers for these costs. If any agency asks you to pay for visa, ticket, or processing fees, they are violating the law. Report them to DoFE at +977-1-4266025 or file a complaint online at dofe.gov.np.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Recruitment agency has valid DoFE license — check at dofe.gov.np
Contract registered with DoFE and labour permit stamp obtained
Employer paying visa and ticket (free visa free ticket compliance)
Mandatory pre-departure orientation completed
Foreign Employment Welfare Fund contribution paid (provides insurance coverage)
Nepal Embassy Support
Embassy Riyadh: +966-11-4632580 — labour welfare section handles complaints and emergencies
Services provided: Labour dispute mediation, HRSD complaint assistance, emergency travel documents, shelter, repatriation, and legal referrals
Foreign Employment Welfare Fund: Make sure your recruitment agency has deposited the required contribution to the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund. This fund provides NPR 1,500,000 in death/disability compensation and covers emergency repatriation costs. Verify your registration at dofe.gov.np.
Your Saudi Labour Rights
All Saudi Labour Law protections apply: 21 days annual leave (30 after 5 years), overtime at 150%, end-of-service gratuity, WPS salary protection, 120 days sick leave, and the right to change employers under the Labour Reform Initiative through the Qiwa platform. File complaints with HRSD at 19911.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is free visa free ticket?
Nepal policy requiring Saudi employers to pay all visa, ticket, and recruitment costs. Workers should pay nothing for these.
What protections do I have?
Saudi Labour Law, DoFE registration, free visa free ticket policy, Foreign Employment Welfare Fund, and Embassy support.
How can the Embassy help?
Dispute mediation, HRSD complaint help, emergency documents, shelter, repatriation, and legal referrals. Call +966-11-4632580.
What should I check before going?
DoFE-licensed agency, registered contract, labour permit stamp, employer-paid visa/ticket, and welfare fund contribution.
Verify Your Saudi Contract
Upload your contract and TenderScan will check it against Saudi Labour Law and flag any issues before you sign.
Check Your Contract