KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 5
The Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA) has objected to the strict provisions introduced by the government for Nepalis applying for tourist visas.
Earlier, the government mandated people to show proof of annual taxable income of Rs 400,000, a balance of Rs 200,000 in the bank, and an approval from the Department of Immigration, etcetera for Nepalis applying for tourist visas.
Issuing a notice, NATTA has laid its concerns stating that the provisions prohibit and discourage the common people and tourism professionals from going on foreign tours.
"The provisions seem to have been introduced with the intention of prohibiting and discouraging Nepali tourists, as they are now required to have visited at least two countries excluding India, Malaysia and Gulf countries before applying for tourist visa, and submit a proof of hotel booking of the destination country.
Also, tour agencies will have to obtain an approval from the Department of Immigration before managing the tickets of Nepali tourists going to visit the specified countries on tourist visas and ensure they return to the country within the designated dates as well as submit a proof to the department under the newly introduced provisions," said Ramesh Thapa, president of NATTA.
According to the department, the provisions will be applied in the first phase for Nepalis going on tourist visas to Gulf countries, Malaysia, African and South American countries. With the issuance of the provisions, the immigration staff can return individuals from the airport if they do not submit the documents as per specified conditions.
It is also mentioned in the procedure that the transit visa cannot be kept as a proof of visiting the country.
In the case of people who have lived abroad in the past, records showing that they have lived in countries other than India, Malaysia and the Gulf countries for at least two years must be submitted.
Similarly, representatives of companies and organisations in Nepal must also submit proof of tax payment. There is also a requirement to get pre-approval from the immigration department before departure abroad and to apply for pre-approval online at least one week in advance.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 6, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.
