The government has standardised the medical fee for Nepali migrant workers travelling abroad, setting it at NPR 9,500 (US$ 66.70) for all destinations where labour permits are issued. The fee applies to a comprehensive package of 34 types of health tests.
The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security issued a circular to all medical practitioners asking them to maintain the uniform fee. Previously, medical check-up fees varied: workers heading to Malaysia were charged NPR 9,800 (US$69.285), while fees for other countries ranged from NPR 3,500, (US$ 24.57) to NPR 6,500 (US $45.64).
The fee increase, which took effect on Wednesday, marks an almost 50 per cent rise from the previous rate of NPR 6,500 (US $45.64). The move comes after a ministerial decision by former Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari in March, 2025. Although the previous government had approved the hike, implementation was delayed amid controversy.
According to the ministry, registered health facilities must now provide all 34 required tests within two months of the notice and upgrade their infrastructure as needed. Facilities that fail to comply will not have their registration renewed. Only after completing these tests and uploading results to the Department of Foreign Employment will final approval for workers be granted.
While medical professionals have welcomed the initiative as a step toward improving the quality of health examination services. The critics have raised concerns about affordability for migrant workers. Around 700,000 Nepalis leave the country annually for foreign employment, and the fee hike adds financial pressure on them.
The ministry has also formed an expert committee to transition the health examination process to an electronic system within the next month. The decision aligns with recommendations from a 2024/25 study committee on improving health checks for migrant workers.
