Nepal recently faced a huge protest mainly participated by the people of age group 18-25 namely GenZ Protest. The recent protests in Nepal led largely by the youth have drawn global attention. These protests swiftly expanded into a larger protest against institutional incompetence, corruption, and a lack of transparency after being spurred by the government's decision to outlaw more than two dozen social networking sites, including Facebook, YouTube, and X. These demonstrations - initially sparked by the government's move to ban over two dozen social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X - quickly evolved into a broader outcry against corruption, lack of transparency, and institutional mismanagement.

The violence that followed was severe: at least 72 people were killed, and more than 100 others injured in confrontations with security forces. The internet ban was lifted within a day after protests erupted giving way for an intermin government in the country.

Alongside the political changes and public demonstrations, many students and families are asking repeteadly:

Will this situation affect my student Visa Application Process?
As an education consultancy we understand these questions and concerns deeply. So here are some important factors that needs to be considered before applying to foreign studies.

1. Office and Embassy Operations
Curfews and security restrictions had temporarily disrupted normal office hours in Kathmandu and other major cities. Some embassies have even suspended visa services for short periods. But starting September 15th, 2025 many of the offices have started their normal operations. So from today the students can resume their application processes- including date booking to biometrics.

2. Visa Applications Re-Scheduling
The VFS offices have started their regular operations - students who missed their date due to the protest will be able to get an official email from the VFS itself regarding their new application date. Please check VFS official website here. https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/

3. Documents Collection
All educational institutions including colleges and schools have been forced to shut down- posing challenge for collection of academic documents and transcripts. We need not fear as the metropolitian city has ordered the educational instituitions to start their operations with full participation of teachers thus the document collection can be done easily with no further issues.

4. Safety and Travel Restrictions
One of the major headache for students planning to travel abroad is the safety and airport operations. Will I be safe to travel in this situations and will the curfew be launched over again? These are some issues that may halt the decision of flying abroad-with recent appointment of an interim government- all national operations have resumed. We can just hope that the country faces no further instability. Recents reports have emerged highlighting the quick response in distributing NOC to students in numbers. Hence, the government priotizes ease in ensuring students are faced with less hassle in their study abroad campaign.

Factors to Consider Before Applying
1. Monitor Official Announcements
Monitor local news and official government announcements regarding curfews and freedom of movement. This is crucial for planning your travel to and from any visa application center. Official sources including Nepal's Department of Immigration or Ministry of Home Affairs are reliable sources to stay updatd.

2. Plan For Delays
Assume that the process may take longer than usual. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have your visa in hand. Build extra time into your schedule to account for potential appointment cancellations and processing backlogs. In case of any delays, the VFS has ensured renewed dates for biometrics.

3. Prepare Extra Expenditure Cost
Be prepared for extra expenditure (e.g. for emergency documents, delays, extra transport).

4. Monitor embassy websites:
Regularly check the website of the specific country embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. You will find the most accurate and up-to-date information on any service disruptions, closures, or special instructions related to the protests.