Kathmandu — Nearly 50 Nepali nationals who had illegally stayed in the United States are being deported back to Nepal today via a special chartered flight, according to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These individuals violated U.S. immigration laws and are being returned.
The deported Nepalis are expected to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu around 4 PM today, with a stopover in Dhaka, Bangladesh. After dropping off the Nepalis in Kathmandu, the chartered plane will proceed to New Delhi, India, as confirmed by sources from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu had informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about these deportations a few days ago.
Rise in Deportations Under Trump’s Immigration Policy
Since President Donald Trump implemented strict immigration policies, a growing number of Nepali nationals illegally residing in the U.S. have been deported. Recently, those living unlawfully have come under close surveillance by U.S. immigration authorities.
Previously, deportations were carried out in small numbers — typically fewer than 8 to 10 individuals per flight — using various airlines and charter flights. However, this time the number deported is significantly larger. Two weeks ago alone, nine Nepalis were deported.
According to sources, the deportees are being sent back on nearly a daily basis due to violations of immigration laws. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that exact numbers may fluctuate. Since President Trump took office, approximately 150 Nepalis have been deported.
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu informs immigration authorities when deportees arrive, and upon arrival at the airport, Nepal Police take responsibility for the individuals.
Travel Bans and U.S. Deportation Flights
President Trump has signed an executive order imposing a complete travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, citing national security concerns. According to the White House, the affected countries are Afghanistan, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The ban took effect from Monday, and stricter restrictions will be imposed on citizens from seven additional countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. President Trump emphasized that these measures aim to protect the United States and its people, stating, “We will not admit those who want to do harm to our country.”
Following Trump’s assumption of office, a U.S. charter flight carrying deported Nepali nationals landed at Kathmandu at 10 AM on Wednesday. Some deportees had been ordered removed by immigration courts for illegal residence, while others were arrested for working unlawfully in the U.S.
