Visit visa scam: Nepal govt forms probe panel, 2 Opp parties say ‘cover-up’ act
A major Nepal visit visa scam has rocked the country’s political establishment. The scandal involves illegal labor migration and alleged ties to top officials, sparking calls for accountability and paralyzing Parliament.
Scam Uncovered: How the Visit Visa Racket Operated
On May 22, 2025, Nepal’s anti-graft body, the CIAA, raided Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. They arrested Tirtharaj Bhattarai, a senior immigration officer. Investigators exposed a large network issuing visit visas to labor migrants in exchange for bribes of NPR 200,000–300,000.
Over 400 migrants left Nepal daily under the guise of tourism. Authorities believe the scam earned around NPR 5 million each day. Many of those workers were sent abroad illegally, risking exploitation in countries like Malaysia and the Gulf.
Political Fallout of the Nepal Visit Visa Scam
Opposition parties—CPN-Maoist Centre, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and CPN-Unified Socialist—have accused the government of shielding powerful officials. They claim Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s secretariat was involved in the scam.
Since May 27, opposition lawmakers have disrupted Parliament, demanding Lekhak’s resignation. They also want a high-level, independent committee to investigate the Nepal visit visa scam fairly and transparently.
Government Response: Denial and Defiance
The ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML alliance have backed Lekhak. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal insists no evidence proves the Minister’s involvement. Government leaders argue that the CIAA should handle the case, and that Lekhak should remain in office unless proven guilty.
Parliament Blocked as Visit Visa Scam Grips Politics
Due to the political standoff, Parliament has stalled for weeks. Budget discussions and policy debates have been postponed. Speaker Devraj Ghimire attempted to mediate, but negotiations have failed.
Analysts warn that the blockade could delay the national budget and hurt government functioning. Many citizens have expressed frustration with both the government and opposition.
Visit Visa Scam Reflects Systemic Migration Failures
The Nepal visit visa scam reveals deeper issues in Nepal’s labor migration system. Millions of Nepalis work overseas, but many use informal or illegal routes due to bureaucracy and lack of opportunity.
Experts say better visa screening, stronger migration laws, and independent oversight are needed. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about labor trafficking and the lack of migrant protection.
What’s Next for Nepal?
Unless political leaders find common ground, the standoff will continue. The opposition refuses to relent without Lekhak’s resignation. The ruling coalition is equally firm.
The outcome of the Nepal visit visa scam will likely define public trust in Nepal’s democratic institutions and migration policy. Until then, Parliament remains deadlocked and public concern grows.
