Govt introduces new bill to boost global credibility of Nepali passport
Summary
The government has introduced a bill to amend Nepal’s Passport Act, aiming to tighten security, curb misuse and improve passport services. Officials say stronger legal safeguards alone will not lift Nepal’s global ranking without broader diplomatic efforts and visa-waiver agreements.
Key Points
- Nepal’s passport has slipped to 99th place in the September 2026 Henley Passport Index, renewing scrutiny of the country’s travel document system.
- The bill to amend the Passport Act is under clause-wise deliberation in the House of Representatives’ International Relations and Tourism Committee.
- The proposed law seeks to simplify passport services, add biometric and verification measures, and impose tougher penalties for forged documents and misuse.
- Officials say Nepal’s passport ranking depends mainly on visa-free access abroad, so legal reform must be paired with diplomacy and reduced migration risks.
