The Department of Immigration has decided to set up separate service desks at Tribhuvan International Airport for people of Nepali origin and Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs), aiming to improve their travel experience and strengthen their connection with the country.
The new arrangement will apply to both arrival and departure halls. Officials say the move is intended to make airport procedures smoother for foreign citizens of Nepali origin and NRNs living abroad, while also encouraging deeper cultural ties and boosting tourism and investment.
The decision was formally communicated to the airport office earlier this week, with instructions to prepare designated counters for this category of travellers. Authorities believe the initiative will help recognise the global Nepali community and address long-standing concerns about their treatment and accessibility at entry points.
The move follows repeated requests from advocacy groups representing people of Nepali origin worldwide, who have been pushing for more inclusive and facilitative systems at the airport. These groups have argued that such measures are important not only for convenience but also for reinforcing a sense of belonging among the diaspora.
Government officials see the step as part of broader efforts to engage the global Nepali population more meaningfully. By creating dedicated spaces at the country’s main international gateway, authorities hope to signal recognition and respect for their contributions and connections to the homeland.
The new desks are expected to be operational soon, with logistical preparations already underway. The initiative marks a small but symbolic shift in how the state engages with its diaspora, placing greater emphasis on ease, identity, and long-term engagement.