The ongoing controversy surrounding visit visas has stirred significant debate in Nepal’s political and administrative spheres. In response, the government has taken the matter seriously and formed a high-level investigation committee to address the issue comprehensively.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, while informing the House of Representatives about the committee, emphasized that the government has taken the concerns raised by lawmakers with due seriousness. According to him, the committee has been mandated with a broad framework that reflects the range of questions and public concerns raised in parliament. He clarified that the committee was not formed with any individual or political party in mind but rather as an initiative to resolve a pressing national issue.
“This is our collective problem. The committee has been formed with the intention of incorporating all perspectives raised,” Minister Lekhak told parliament. “A long-term solution is only possible if we consider all the issues raised in this matter.”
Immigration System Under Scrutiny
The government acknowledges the gravity of problems within the immigration system and allegations of visit visa misuse. Minister Lekhak admitted that while some immediate reforms have already been initiated, they may not be sufficient, and a comprehensive long-term strategy is essential.
In the meantime, a separate investigation committee has been formed under the leadership of former Chief Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi to conduct an in-depth study and inquiry into the visit visa issue. As per the Cabinet’s decision, the committee includes joint secretaries from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Labor, and Ministry of Tourism. The committee has been given a three-month deadline to submit its report.
Opposition Pressure and the Road Ahead
The formation of this committee comes amid growing pressure from opposition parties, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who had been demanding an investigation—particularly in light of allegations that implicated Home Minister Lekhak himself. While some political observers have welcomed the move as a positive step, others have criticized it as being long overdue.
The government has indicated that it will introduce long-term reform measures based on the committee’s findings. Analysts anticipate that this may pave the way for a significant overhaul of Nepal’s immigration policy.
If the committee is able to uncover the root causes of irregularities tied to visit visas and address political concerns surrounding the issue, it could mark a significant step toward greater transparency and accountability. The real test, however, lies ahead—whether the committee’s findings will be impartial, effective, and practically implementable remains to be seen.
