Committee Formed Under CDO to Monitor Foreign Activities, Provisions for Digital Device Control Introduced

The proposed Immigration Bill 2083 includes a provision to establish committees in each district to monitor foreign activities. The bill explicitly specifies various visa categories such as diplomatic, tourist, study, work, business, press, residential, non-residential Nepali, among others. Additionally, the Director General is authorized to inspect and regulate electronic materials, and visa applications can be processed through private institutions. 3 Jestha, Kathmandu.

The proposed Immigration Bill 2083 introduces several new regulations. Currently open for suggestions, this bill presents distinctions and additional subjects compared to the Immigration Act 2049. Notably, it includes provisions for committees to monitor foreign nationals entering Nepal. Section 16 of the bill details foreign surveillance and supervision.

To track foreign activities, each district will have a monitoring and supervision committee led by the Chief District Officer (CDO). This committee will also include district chiefs from the Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, tourism office heads, and district-level labor office chiefs, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

The bill also clarifies new visa categories. Whereas the Immigration Act 2049 referenced visa types as per regulations, the 2083 bill explicitly defines various visas such as diplomatic, tourist, study, work, business, press, residential, non-residential Nepali, mountaineering, film, sports, and medical visas. It also introduces provisions to register foreign residents’ accommodation details. Foreign nationals entering Nepal must compulsorily register their residence and contact details at immigration checkpoints.

Hotels, universities, and hospitals are required to provide details of foreigners residing on their premises to the immigration department’s system. The bill also allows visa fee waivers in certain exceptional circumstances, such as road closures, curfews, disease outbreaks, or hospitalization due to accidents.

The responsibilities of airlines are clearly outlined. If a foreign national barred from entering Nepal is brought in by an airline, the airline must bear the cost of sending that individual back. The bill also offers special privileges for non-resident Nepalis; those holding non-resident Nepali citizenship or identification cards and their family members will be granted free visas for up to ten years.

The bill provides detailed grounds for restricting Nepalese citizens from traveling abroad. Compared to the Immigration Act 2049, the 2083 bill extensively clarifies conditions under which Nepalese citizens can be barred from leaving, including court orders, criminal investigations, or threats to national security.

The bill addresses control over digital devices as well. The Director General, or an appointed official, is empowered to inspect and control not only passports but also electronic immigration-related materials and data. A thorough explanation of digital materials states that all electronic devices and data related to immigration are included. When necessary, involved agencies may seek police assistance.

A new provision enables immigration departments to accept visa applications and document submissions through authorized private institutions or firms.