MDMS implemented from today, migrant returnees allowed to bring only two phones

KATHMANDU: Since today, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority has used Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) technology to control illicit phones.

After months of planning, the government has finally implemented technology to control illegal phones.

Mobile phones that are not registered in Nepal would be rendered inoperable as of today, according to the authority’s decision. Similarly, only Nepalese who have returned from six months of work abroad would be permitted to bring two mobile phones.

The Customs Department issued a notification on Sunday and provided that only those who have been employed abroad for six months with a work permit can bring two mobile phones for free.

According to the department, Nepalis who have gone abroad to work with a work permit will be allowed to bring one mobile phone and one sealed pack mobile phone, or both, beginning today.

If ones bring an extra mobile phone after obtaining a work permit and working consistently for six months and returning to Nepal, they will not have to pay any customs revenue. Narad Gautam, Chief Customs Officer of Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office, told that a customs declaration is required to use the phone.

According to him, after showing the passport as a proof of return from foreign employment, the customs staff at the counter will give the notification within a minute. “MDMS has been implemented from today, we will register two mobile phones based on the passport with visa,” he said.

Customs must be paid when bringing more phones

With the adoption of MDMS, Nepalese who have been overseas for study or other purposes will be permitted to carry only one mobile phone back home. If you carry more than the allowed number of phones, you must pay customs duty. A 5% customs duty and a 13% value added tax (VAT) will be charged based on the price of the phone.

Six counter additions

Six more counters have recently been added to the office. According to Chief Customs Officer Gautam, previously just three counters were operated daily; currently, nine counters are operated daily, with six more counters.

He stated that the addition of nine counters eliminates the need to wait in long lines for notice. From Baisakh 2073, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority began recording International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) number ‘unique code’.

The first phase involved registering IMEI numbers, while the second part involved preparing to link the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS).

The Authority had invited tenders for the selection of consultants on 2074 Baisakh 28 (11 May , 2017) to install a system to control illegal mobile phones. 13 companies applied for the tender called by the authority.

Out of the 13 companies that applied in the Authority’s tender, the OSI Consulting Pvt Ltd India and Namaste Global Com Pvt Ltd Singapore joint venture was chosen only in 2076 Ashar and given six months to implement the system.

The authority, which had partially deployed MDMS since Shrawan 1 (July 17), has now fully integrated the system.