What can I do if I'm fired or not paid?
जागिरबाट निकालियो वा तलब पाइएन भने के गर्ने?
Notice periods for resigning and dismissal under the Labour Act, your right to explain first and how to claim unpaid wages at the Labour Office.
- Cost
- Free
- Applying to the Labour Office costs nothing.
- How long
- About two months
- Using the time limits in the Act, from your first written claim to a Labour Office decision.
- Where
- Labour and Employment Office for your area
- Last checked
- 8 Oct 2026
- Against the official source
What it is
The Labour Act sets out a step-by-step route for any claim about your rights at work, such as unpaid wages, unpaid leave or overtime. You start with a written claim to your employer. If that fails, the Labour Office mediates and then decides, each within fixed time limits.
The same Act sets notice periods that both you and your employer must give before ending a job, and protects you from being punished for misconduct without a chance to explain.
Who needs it
- Private sector workers who want to resign, have been dismissed or haven't been paid what they're owed.
What you need
- In practice
Your appointment letter or contract
- In practice
Payslips, bank statements or attendance records
- Official
A copy of your written claim to the employer, with their receipt
In practice items aren't in the official rules but are commonly asked for at the counter.
How it works
- 1
Put your claim in writing to the employer
Write to your employer about the unpaid wages or other right you're claiming and get a receipt. The employer should call you for discussion within 7 days and settle it within 15 days.
- 2
Apply to the Labour Office
If the employer doesn't call you within 7 days, or there's no agreement after 15 days, apply to the Labour Office for your area. It calls both sides and tries to settle the claim within 21 days.
- 3
Get a decision
If mediation fails, the Labour Office decides on the evidence within 15 days. An agreement reached through the office is binding on both sides.
- 4
Go to the Labour Court if needed
Decisions can be taken further to the Labour Court. A lawyer or your trade union can help at this stage.
Where to go
Labour and Employment Office for your area
Handles individual claims and inspections
Department of Labour and Occupational Safety
dol.gov.np
Cost and time
- Official fee
- Free
- Applying to the Labour Office costs nothing.
- Processing time
- About two months
- Using the time limits in the Act, from your first written claim to a Labour Office decision.
Common problems
How much notice do I have to give when I resign?
The same as your employer must give you. At least one day if you've worked up to four weeks, seven days for four weeks to a year and 30 days for more than a year. Your employer must accept a written resignation within 15 days, or it's treated as accepted.
Can I be fired on the spot?
Only for serious misconduct, and even then you must first get a written notice giving you 7 days to explain, listing what you're accused of and the possible punishment. For other reasons the notice periods above apply.
I'm on probation.
Probation can last up to six months, and the employer can end your contract if your work isn't satisfactory. After six months without termination, you're a regular employee.
The company is cutting jobs.
For retrenchment the employer must notify the Labour Office and trade union at least 30 days ahead and discuss it with them.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
Share your experienceSources
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