New Immigration Bill Proposes 10-Year Free Visa for Non-Resident Nepalis to Boost Diaspora Ties

In a significant move to overhaul and consolidate the nation's legal architecture regarding foreign entry, the Government of Nepal is preparing to introduce a groundbreaking 10-year free visa facility for Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs). According to the draft of the new Immigration Bill prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this extended, fee-free visa privilege will apply to NRNs, individuals of Nepali origin holding foreign citizenship, and holders of official NRN identity cards, extending full coverage to their immediate family members as well. Beyond fostering stronger ties with the global diaspora, the legislative framework seeks to thoroughly modernize border management by reorganizing national visas into 17 distinct classifications. Concurrently, the bill updates and reinforces immigration control mechanisms, granting border authorities and immigration officials enhanced regulatory powers over the entry, duration of stay, and exit of foreign nationals, including the explicit mandate to refuse entry to any travelers possessing invalid or suspicious documentation.