Nepal Passport Department Extends Service Hours as EPS Applications for South Korea Surge

Kathmandu- Nepal’s Department of Passports will operate in two shifts and provide services even on weekends and public holidays after a sharp rise in the number of people applying for passports to submit applications under the Employment Permit System (EPS) for jobs in South Korea.

According to a notice issued by the department on Wednesday, the extended service hours will be in effect from July 30 to August 7 to help manage the growing number of applicants and ensure timely passport issuance.

From July 30 to August 3, the first shift will run from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while the second shift will operate from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The department also announced that electronic passport services will remain available on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with service hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The increased demand follows a surge in applications for South Korea’s EPS program over the past week. Since a valid passport is a mandatory requirement for the employment process, the number of people seeking passport services has risen significantly.

The Department of Passports said the additional shifts and extended operating hours are aimed at managing the increased workload while ensuring that applicants receive services on time.

The department also reaffirmed its commitment to providing Nepali citizens with efficient, accessible, and reliable passport services.