KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 11

Activists stage a protest outside the Department of Immigration (DoI) after the news of a proposed regulation, which would restrict women under the age of 40 in Nepal from travelling freely, became public.

Protesters are demonstrating against the rule that would require family's consent and ward office's approval for women under 40 to travel abroad independently, outside the DoI premises, in Kathmandu, on Thursday.

This information drew much flak from the public.

Meanwhile, the Immigration Department tried to evade widespread criticism by calling its recent decision on visit-visa "a matter under consideration" by issuing a press release today.

Pictures of the demonstration taken by photojournalist Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times