KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 6
The new provisions introduced by the government to grant tourist visas for Nepali travellers is raising some eyebrows, with travel agents claiming the new criteria is only sowing confusion and discourages genuine travellers.
Under Article 44, Section A of Immigration Regulation 1994, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has introduced the 'Regulation related to approval of tourist visas for foreign countries, 2022' in a bid to solve the issues faced by Nepalis going abroad on visit visas.
According to the Department of Immigration, the rule will come into effect 60 days after the completion of necessary management procedures and introduction of a software.
Anjan Neupane, director and information officer at DoI, shared that the information will be disseminated to the mass within the designated time.
The department will also introduce software for the proper management and implementation of the provisions, while also investigate complaints received regarding the approval of tourist visas and proceed with the necessary works.
According to Neupane, many Nepalis have faced various problems while travelling abroad on visitors' visas, not to mention trouble in tracking them down and rescuing citizens who might have been stranded abroad. "Thus, to address as well as properly manage the situation, the government has introduced the regulation to differentiate genuine Nepali tourists and others who could be at risk while travelling abroad."
Under the provision, the government has categorised 16 groups. Of them, government officials, people's representatives, journalists, representatives of international non-governmental organisation and social activists, frequent travellers, office bearers of federations and associations, representatives of banks and financial institutions, operators of manpower companies and people approved by Department of Foreign Employment, people who have to go abroad to visit a sick relative, people having to go abroad due to death of a relative can apply for the tourists visa by showing the necessary documents in a regular way.
Meanwhile, others seeking tourist visas, those who want to visit their relatives abroad, operators of import and export businesses, operators of organisations or unions, students and teachers, people going abroad for training or practical studies, exhibition, sports, film shooting, talent and cultural shows will have to receive approval from DoI and submit more documents, before applying for tourist visas.
"There are no changes for those falling in the clusters of one to 10. Only people from the frequent travellers cluster will have to show proof of having travelled to more than two countries, excluding India, Malaysia and Gulf countries.
Similarly, Nepali tourists and their family members applying for tourist visas for the first time will have to show proof of having an annual income of at least Rs 400,000 and a bank balance of Rs 200,000. The remaining clusters will need approval from DoI to apply for tourist visas before purchasing a plane ticket," Neupane told The Himalayan Times.
Moreover, tour and travel agents will have to confirm if the person seeking to apply for tourist visa is eligible as per the provisions introduced by the DoI before managing their tickets. The respective travel agencies will also have to ensure the return of the Nepali tourists and submit a report to the department as well. Similarly, in the case of Nepalis who travel abroad on tourist visa to seek foreign employment and face any kind of problems, legal actions will be taken against the people and institutions involved.
Meanwhile, National Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA) has strongly objected to the regulation introduced by the DoI, stating that the ticketing agencies cannot be held liable and that the new provisions discourage leisure travellers with requirements such as bank balance of at least Rs 200,000 and an annual income of at least Rs 400,000.
Ramesh Thapa, president of NATTA said, "The criteria set under the provisions stop people from attending exhibitions, promoting businesses and tourism, among others, and mandates people to have travelled to more than two countries to apply for tourist visa. We are fully against the new provision."
While he lauded the government's efforts to ensure security of Nepali citizens, he alleged that the new provisions were introduced without prior consultation with the concerned stakeholders. "The requirement to get approval from the department is like opening up a customs office for travellers," he said, adding, "This provision is not in favour of the public, business or anyone."
However, Neupane pointed out that the genuine people who can apply for tourist visas by spending over Rs 100,000 for a vacation should surely be able to meet the criteria of having an annual income of Rs 400,000 and a bank balance of Rs 200,000.
He also said that the criteria are not set for every person but only those who have not travelled to any other country earlier.
Furthermore, he explained that travel history criteria are only for frequent travellers and that they do not require any approval from DoI to receive their visa. "Many are confused and have misunderstood the regulations. The confusions will be cleared in time," he added.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 7, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.
