Illegal residency & deportation on rise in Nepal

KATHMANDU: The number of foreign nationals illegally residing in Nepal has surged, while Nepali citizens deported from various countries has also increased significantly.

According to the Department of Immigration, Nepal expelled 497 foreign nationals in 2024, whereas 1,506 Nepalis were deported by other nations—three times higher in comparison.

Among the deported foreigners, Chinese, American, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and British citizens topped the list.

In a year, 147 Chinese, 54 Americans, 54 Bangladeshis, 35 Pakistanis, and 27 British nationals were expelled. Overstaying visas was the primary reason for deportation.

While Nepal permits tourists to stay for five months on a tourist visa, Americans are allowed up to six months. However, those overstaying are fined and expelled.

Security officials raised concerns about illegal foreign residents engaging in suspicious activities, posing threats to national security.

Chinese nationals, in particular, have been reported to misuse tourist and business visas for gold smuggling and online scams.

Among the 147 deported Chinese in 2024, 141 overstayed their visas, while two were involved in crimes against public property.

Nepalis deported from abroad mainly returned from the Middle East, Malaysia, the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

Overstaying visas and violating immigration laws were the primary reasons for their deportation.

The United States, for instance, repatriates illegal Nepali residents on special flights. Many Nepali migrants face legal challenges and lack protection in foreign countries.

The Department of Immigration is working on implementing a new tracking system to enhance monitoring of illegal residents in Nepal.

Director General Govinda Prasad Rijal stated that foreign nationals involved in illegal activities would face fines, deportation, and stricter surveillance under the new system.