KATHMANDU, May 13: The Government of Nepal has halted the issuance of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for students planning to pursue language and bachelor studies in South Korea.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) issued a notice announcing the halt. The MoEST stated that a task force will be formed to regulate D-2 and D-4 visas, and further decisions will be made based on the report submitted by the task force.
The government cited several reasons for this decision, particularly concerning students enrolling in bachelor degrees. According to the MoEST, many students prioritize employment over education from the outset, enroll in universities with limited academic hours, and often face disruptions in their studies due to a focus on earning money. Additionally, some students are being sent to institutions that have been blacklisted by the South Korean government. These issues have raised serious concerns, prompting the government to halt the NOC until further evaluation by a task force.
The MoEST has also stated that complaints have been received regarding consultancies assuring students that they will be able to work in South Korea—legally or illegally—as soon as they arrive. However, when the reality does not align with those promises, many students frequently experience mental stress and encounter various difficulties.
