KATHMANDU – The Government of Nepal is preparing to grant a 10-year fee-waived visa to Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) under a sweeping new legislative overhaul designed to simplify entry and boost diaspora investment.

The provision is embedded in Section 4 of the newly drafted Immigration Bill, formulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to revise, update, and consolidate the nation’s historical immigration frameworks.

Once enacted, the bill will grant immigration officials the authority to issue long-term, charge-free visas to foreign citizens of Nepali origin holding NRN identity cards or NRN citizenship, as well as their immediate family members.

Key Highlights of the Proposed Visa Reforms

The Ministry of Home Affairs has structured the draft bill to modernize border control while heavily incentivizing the global diaspora community to maintain ties with their homeland.

• Validity & Cost: Eligible NRNs and their families will receive a visa valid for up to 10 years completely free of processing or immigration fees.

• Broad Categorisation: The proposed legislation divides entries into 17 distinct visa categories, creating specialized channels for tourism, business, study, and diaspora relations.

• Enhanced Border Oversight: While the bill eases entry for NRNs, it simultaneously tightens security protocols. Immigration officers will hold expanded powers to refuse entry at checkpoints if travel documents appear suspicious, altered, or invalid.

Strengthening Ties with the Global Diaspora

The policy push marks a collaborative effort between state authorities and global diaspora networks, including the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).

For years, Nepalese communities settled across Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe have advocated for seamless travel arrangements to facilitate easier asset management, family visits, and philanthropic initiatives.

“This legislative step bridges the gap between the diaspora and their roots,” noted a Ministry representative involved in the drafting. “By eliminating the financial and bureaucratic hurdles of short-term tourist visas, we are directly inviting second- and third-generation NRNs to actively invest in Nepal’s economic transformation.”

The move builds upon the historic rollout of NRN Citizenship, which grants social, cultural, and economic rights (excluding political and voting rights) to people of Nepali origin who have acquired foreign passports.

Next Steps for Implementation

The draft bill is currently undergoing final reviews before heading to Parliament for formal legislative debates.

Once approved, the Department of Immigration is expected to upgrade its digital visa portals to allow NRN cardholders and NRN citizens to seamlessly apply for the 10-year visa through Nepalese embassies and consulates worldwide before traveling.