DOFE Licensed Manpower Agencies in Nepal – Verified Contact List 2026
DOFE Licensed Manpower Agencies in Nepal — How to Verify, What to Check, and Why It Matters
Every legal recruitment agency in Nepal operates under a license issued by the Department of Foreign Employment (DOFE). That license number is the single most important piece of information you can verify before engaging any agency. This guide explains what DOFE licensing means, how to verify a license independently, and what other checks you should perform before signing a service agreement.
What DOFE Licensing Actually Means
The Department of Foreign Employment, under Nepal’s Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, is the sole government body authorized to issue recruitment licenses. A valid DOFE license means the agency has:
- Submitted a bank guarantee (typically NPR 5–10 million) as a financial security deposit
- Registered a physical office address that DOFE has inspected
- Named designated directors/officers who are legally responsible for the agency’s conduct
- Agreed to comply with the Foreign Employment Act, 2007 and its regulations
- Undergone periodic renewal and compliance checks
An agency without a valid DOFE license is operating illegally. Engaging one risks: visa rejections, worker exploitation, legal liability in both Nepal and the destination country, and financial loss. For the full legal framework, read our Legal Compliance guide and the DOFE Employer’s Guide.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify a DOFE License
Step 1: Ask for the License Number
When you first contact an agency, ask: “What is your DOFE license number?” A legitimate agency will provide it immediately — it is usually displayed on their website, business cards, and office signage. Mount Everest International Overseas, for example, prominently displays License No. 1481/074/75. If the agency hesitates, gives an excuse, or provides a number that looks made up, treat it as a red flag.
Step 2: Check the Official DOFE Portal
Visit the Department of Foreign Employment website (dofe.gov.np) and navigate to the “Licensed Agencies” or “Manpower List” section. Search by the agency name or license number. Confirm that:
- The license is active (not suspended, expired, or revoked)
- The agency name matches exactly what you were told
- The registered address matches the office location
- The directors/officers listed match who you are communicating with
If the license number does not appear in the DOFE database, or the status is anything other than active, do not proceed.
Step 3: Cross-Check with Independent Sources
Beyond the government portal, verify through:
- Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA): The industry body maintains a member directory. Membership is not mandatory, but NAFEA-member agencies have agreed to an additional code of conduct.
- Google Business Profile: Check for a verified Google listing with reviews, photos of the office, and consistent contact information.
- Physical or video verification: Ask for a video call showing the office exterior (with visible signage), interior, and the original license certificate on the wall. A genuine agency will accommodate this request.
Beyond the License: Additional Due Diligence
A valid license is the minimum requirement. It does not guarantee quality, reliability, or ethical conduct. Here is what else to investigate:
Check for Worker Complaints
Search the agency name plus “complaint,” “fraud,” or “scam” in English and Nepali. Check Facebook groups where Nepali migrant workers share experiences. The DOFE also maintains a complaints registry — ask the agency directly if they have any pending or resolved complaints, and verify their answer independently.
Verify Deployment History
Ask for: (1) the number of workers deployed in the last 12 months, (2) a breakdown by destination country, (3) references from employers in your target country who have used the agency within the last year. A professional agency will provide this data. If they cannot or will not, consider it a warning sign.
Confirm the Employer-Pays Model
Under Nepal’s Foreign Employment Act, 2007, recruitment agencies cannot charge fees to workers for overseas placement. All recruitment costs — service fees, medical exams, visa processing, orientation — are the employer’s responsibility. Ask the agency directly: “Do you charge any fees to workers?” If the answer is anything other than an unequivocal “no,” walk away. Agencies that charge workers are not only unethical — they are breaking the law, and associating with them creates legal and reputational risk for your company.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
| Scam Type | How It Works | How to Protect Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Fake license number | Agency provides a fabricated or expired license number | Always verify on dofe.gov.np — never accept a screenshot or photo as proof |
| Impersonation | Scammer uses the name and license of a real agency | Contact the agency through their official website or verified phone number, not the number the person gave you |
| Advance fee fraud | Agency demands payment before providing any service | Legitimate agencies invoice after service agreement signing; never pay before due diligence is complete |
| Sub-agency / broker chain | An unlicensed middleman claims to “work with” a licensed agency | Insist on direct communication with the licensed agency’s authorized representative; verify their identity |
| Fake job offers | Scammer posts fake vacancies to collect “processing fees” from workers | As an employer, ensure the agency is not using your company’s name without authorization |
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Hiring through an unverified or unethical agency can result in: workers arriving with fraudulent documents (leading to deportation), visa blocks on your company, financial losses from undelivered workers, and reputational damage. In 2025, the Nepal government suspended over 50 agency licenses for violations including worker exploitation and document fraud. The DOFE maintains an updated list of blacklisted agencies — check it before engaging anyone.
Ready to Verify an Agency?
- Start with our main contact directory — all agencies listed are pre-verified
- Compare agency profiles on the Top 10 agencies page
- Learn the full hiring process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Understand your legal obligations: Legal Compliance overview
- Prepare for your first contact: How to Contact guide
