Weak Diplomacy, Heavy Burden

There are countless examples showing the hardships ordinary Nepalis face when the country’s diplomacy falters. Recently, Nepal has suffered significant losses due to the state’s failure to address injustices faced by migrant workers traveling abroad for employment. This is a direct consequence of diplomatic weakness and the inability to raise critical issues in a timely manner with countries where Nepal maintains diplomatic relations. A new provision requiring additional authentication of police clearance certificates (PCC) for Nepali workers heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed an enormous financial burden on ordinary citizens. Although the Consular Services Department under Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already authenticated these documents, workers are now being forced to get them re-verified through the UAE Embassy in Nepal and private agencies. This creates unnecessary financial hardship for the public. What makes the situation worse is that this process has been imposed without any formal government decision, gazette notification, or public announcement, raising serious concerns about accountability.