KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 29 The Department of Immigration has announced plans to launch the Foreign Citizen Management Information System from January 1, 2026. The initiative aims to enhance the security of foreign nationals in Nepal, streamline information sharing, curb potential criminal activities, and promote tourism. The system will be implemented in phases, with the initial phase covering Kathmandu Valley. On Sunday, the Department of Immigration organised an interaction programme to collect feedback from concerned organisations and agencies on the systematic rollout of the system. Department Director and Spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal said a special programme would be organised to formally inaugurate the system. He added that suggestions and feedback had been gathered from relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. In the first phase, the system will be mandatory for star hotels operating within Kathmandu Valley. The second phase, beginning on March 1, will extend the system to all star hotels, airlines, tour and travel companies, and money exchange services nationwide. It will subsequently be expanded gradually to include all categories of hotels, guest houses, and services provided by both public and private institutions. To ensure the system's effective implementation, all agencies providing services to foreign nationals will be required to register on the platform. Spokesperson Dhakal also stressed the need for prompt registration, noting the limited time remaining before the system's launch and the currently low level of participation by concerned agencies. (With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)