KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Education has halted issuing No Objection Certificates (NOC) to students leaving Nepal for foreign studies.

The ministry stopped issuing such certificates to students going abroad for a vocational diploma and to learn languages from Tuesday. No reason has been mentioned for the halt.

The decision by the ministry has confused the students.

The courses requiring NOC are under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System and are equivalent to Bachelor first and second years in Nepal. NOC is required for official and formal provisions.