Kathmandu, 15 May: The Government of Nepal has stopped issuing No Objection Certificates (NOC) for studying in South Korea after the Nepali Embassy in Korea sent a letter highlighting student hardships. What kind of problems are students facing in Korea? Why was it necessary to suspend the NOC process? What are the core issues students are experiencing? Here’s a conversation with Nepal’s Ambassador to South Korea, Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahangphe, conducted by Onlinekhabar journalist Dinesh Gautam:
Ambassador:
After arriving here, we observed the problems students are facing while working. Some of the affected students directly informed us. Others reported their issues through the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and local Nepali community organizations. These students seek help from those associations, who then pass on the complaints to the embassy.
We found that especially students who come on D-2 and D-4 visas for undergraduate studies are facing difficulties. However, those coming for postgraduate or PhD studies seem to have no such issues.
We sent a letter through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Education, detailing the problems faced by students with D-2 and D-4 visas. Based on this, the Ministry of Education has temporarily suspended issuing NOCs for these categories to conduct further study and investigation.
What kind of complaints are being submitted to the embassy?
Students usually don’t submit formal petitions. But when they fall into depression, they seek counseling. That’s when they approach NRNA or other Nepali associations. These groups then report the situation to the embassy. Some students also mention their issues when they visit the embassy for services.
Let me share a recent case:
A student arrived from Nepal. Someone came to receive him at the airport and dropped him off in an area with many Nepalis. But the student didn’t know where to go or what to do. He was standing on the street with his luggage. When he saw another Nepali and asked for help, that person took him to a shelter and later helped him find a job. Only afterward was the student able to trace the university he was admitted to.
Such stories of students falling into trouble or depression reach the embassy. We’ve spoken to students and professors at those universities as well.
Are consultancies charging a lot of money?
Yes, students say consultancies charge 1.5 to 2.5 million Nepali rupees. It’s acceptable to take fees for services, but they must be transparent. These consultancies often take part of the payment through bank transfers and the rest in cash.
How are students getting to Korea and ending up in such problems?
Mostly through consultancies. They sell big dreams but don’t inform students about the actual regulations. For example, students cannot work immediately after arrival — under Korean law, they have to wait up to 6 months. Students come here expecting to work and send money home right away, which is unrealistic. Parents too should not expect instant remittances.
Are these consultancies misleading students?
Not all of them. I’ve personally monitored some. Students from good consultancies are doing well. The issue arises when some consultancies lure students with false promises.
Why are students ending up in blacklisted universities?
Consultancies often promise to take students to top universities but then shift them to others with fewer credit hours once they arrive. Just yesterday, a student emailed us saying he came here a year ago thinking he was joining one university, but ended up admitted to another.
Who is responsible for this bait-and-switch?
The consultancies.
What is the embassy doing to help solve these student issues?
We didn’t act based on assumptions. We talked to many parties — including Nepali professors at Korean universities — and gathered detailed information. Based on that, we sent a letter to the Ministry to alert them.
Some consultancies have objected to the embassy’s letter going public. Your thoughts?
We never said all consultancies are wrong. But those who mislead students and give false assurances are clearly at fault.
Will suspending NOC solve the problem?
No, NOC can’t be permanently suspended. But policies must be based on reality. The Ministry should issue NOCs only after carefully verifying the universities students are applying to.
What should students focus on before coming to Korea?
Language is the first and most essential thing. Without it, students suffer. Parents should ensure their children have proper language training. Consultancies should provide truthful information. And students should fully understand the university and the course they are joining. If they don’t, they might end up in a blacklisted institution. The Ministry of Education should not issue NOCs for such universities.
