- Over 114,000 Nepalis traveled abroad using visit visas in six months.
- Many were trafficked for low-wage work in Gulf countries and beyond.
- immigration chief Bhattarai is under CIAA investigation.
- The U.S. revoked Bhattarai’s visa over trafficking links.
- Political pressure is building on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Mass Migration Under Scrutiny
A growing trafficking scandal has shaken Nepal. Over 114,000 citizens traveled abroad on visit visas in the last six months. Many did not return. Authorities believe thousands were trafficked for labor in Gulf countries and beyond.
Visit Visas Used to Exploit Workers
According to immigration records, most travelers used visit visas meant for tourism. However, brokers exploited these documents to send people into unregulated jobs. Women faced the greatest risks. Many were trafficked through Dubai and sent to Oman, Kuwait, or Iraq. A few even reached Russia and the U.S.
CIAA Targets Airport Corruption
The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken charge. Its probe centers on the Tribhuvan International Airport Immigration Office. The CIAA detained Immigration chief Tirtha Raj Bhattarai after a raid on May 21. He was released on bail a day later. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had appointed him in October 2024.
Minister Denies Responsibility
Minister Lekhak rejected all accusations. He called them politically motivated. “There is no complaint filed against me,” he told reporters. “I deserve justice.” Despite this, opposition leaders have asked him to resign. They believe his oversight enabled the trafficking network.
Political Pressure Mounts
On May 24 and 27, formal complaints reached the Prime Minister’s Office and Parliament. Leaders from the Nepali Congress and Rastriya Swatantra Party demanded an independent probe. They claim Minister Lekhak tried to blame former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane for Bhattarai’s appointment. However, Lamichhane held no office at the time.
Additional Raids and U.S. Sanctions
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) joined the crackdown. It raided Greenline Holidays and arrested Managing Director Bal Krishna Khadka. The CIAA took custody of Khadka for questioning. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu revoked visas for Bhattarai and his wife. The CIAA has frozen their bank accounts and begun reviewing their assets.
Airport Practices Raise Red Flags
Legitimate travelers say immigration officials denied them exit. At the same time, those with fake arrangements passed freely. Many complaints reached the Immigration Department, but no action followed. This inconsistency points to systemic failure and possible collusion.
What’s Next?
The CIAA has said the network involves more than a few corrupt officers. It may include dozens of agents and senior officials. As public outrage rises, investigators face pressure to act swiftly and transparently. The outcome of this scandal could reshape Nepal’s fight against corruption and human trafficking.
(This report is based on official immigration data, CIAA preliminary findings, and reporting from Naya Patrika).
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