KATHMANDU: Over 1,400 Nepali workers have been unable to travel to South Korea due to the unavailability of airline tickets.
Workers claim that Universal Tours and Travels, the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Korean Air responsible for ticket distribution, has failed to provide them with flights. These workers were selected under the Employment Permit System (EPS) to work in South Korea and already hold valid visas.
Kamal Raj Shrestha, spokesperson for the EPS Section of the Department of Foreign Employment, stated that a surge in visa approvals during the Dashain and Tihar festivals caused flight scheduling issues. According to him, flight arrangements have been made for 650 workers in December. “A large number of visas were issued during this period, and the holiday season workload disrupted flights,” Shrestha explained.
Korean Air operates only three direct flights per week from Kathmandu to Seoul. Workers heading to South Korea are not allowed to use transit flights, leaving many stranded in Kathmandu while awaiting tickets.
According to legal provisions, workers must reach Korea within three months of visa issuance.
Shrestha added that steps are being taken to resolve the issue. “Relevant stakeholders are holding discussions,” he said.
Ticket Prices Skyrocket
Although Universal Tours and Travels won a tender to provide tickets at $895 (around Rs 119,000) per person, some workers report paying significantly more. One worker revealed that tickets are now being sold for between Rs 150,000 and Rs 170,000, citing full bookings for the next four months. Despite filing complaints with the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, workers claim no action has been taken.
One worker shared with Himal Press that he waited two months and ultimately paid Rs 160,000 for a ticket to South Korea.
A staff member of Universal Tours and Travels confirmed that December flights to Seoul are fully booked and that tickets are available only at higher prices, exceeding Rs 160,000. The staff member added that ticket prices could rise above Rs 170,000 in January.
Basanta Bahadur Bohora, joint spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, acknowledged the complaints about high ticket prices and the unavailability of flights. He assured that discussions are ongoing with South Korean authorities and Universal Tours and Travels to resolve the issue.
A total of 3,172 workers have already flown to South Korea as of mid-October in the fiscal year 2024/25. Currently, 20,651 workers—8,151 in manufacturing, 8,500 in agriculture, and 4,000 in shipbuilding—are on the employment roster, awaiting selection by employers.
An additional 2,000 visas are expected to be issued by January.
