Nepal to Introduce NEATS for Digital Consular Authentication of Documents

Dragon Media Correspondent

The Department of Consular Services under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to introduce the Nepal Electronic Attestation System, or NEATS, to make the consular authentication of documents more accessible, transparent and technology-driven.

The department said the system has been developed to simplify, streamline and improve online applications for the authentication of educational certificates, recommendation letters and other essential documents issued or certified by government agencies in Nepal.

Once operational, NEATS is expected to make the application process more organised and efficient. By allowing applicants to complete the initial stages online, the system is also expected to reduce unnecessary crowding at the department, save time and minimise procedural difficulties.

Consular authentication is commonly required for foreign study, employment, residency, family-related procedures and various legal and administrative purposes. The new system aims to make the process clearer for applicants while strengthening transparency in application management and service delivery.

The system is scheduled to be formally launched by the Minister for Foreign Affairs at 3:00 pm on Saun 29. The launch ceremony will be held at the conference hall on the third floor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar.

The Department of Consular Services has been gradually digitising document authentication and other public services. The implementation of NEATS is being viewed as an important step towards making consular services more modern, systematic and citizen-friendly.