Nearly 275,000 Nepalis traveled abroad on visit visas in 2024; Over 42 percentage women

KATHMANDU: The number of Nepalis traveling abroad on visit visas has reached a record high, with 271,305 individuals leaving the country under such arrangements in 2024 alone. Government data reveals a sharp increase in both the overall figure and the share of women travelers, who now account for over 42% of the total.

According to the Department of Immigration, the trend has put significant pressure on resources and operations at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). In response, the government has drafted short-, medium-, and long-term reform plans aimed at managing the growing flow and addressing widespread irregularities associated with visit visas.

The Director General of the Department, Ram Chandra Tiwari, emphasized that the immigration system is being developed beyond recordkeeping, with the goal of becoming a strategic agency capable of offering national security and safe migration policy advice. “We are working on an Integrated Digital Immigration System that will merge data from various agencies including the passport, foreign employment, consular, and security departments,” Tiwari stated.

Sharp Rise in Women Travelers

One of the most notable developments is the surge in female travelers. In 2021, women represented only 14.4% of those traveling on visit visas. By 2024, that number has jumped to 42.1%. Countries such as UAE, Thailand, Oman, and Kuwait have seen particularly high proportions of female travelers, with some destinations even recording more women than men over the past five years.

Officials attribute this trend to a mix of economic motivations, employment opportunities, and loopholes in the official labor migration system. Many women reportedly use visit visas to find work abroad, bypassing the formal labor permit process.

Rising Concerns Over Abuse and Exploitation

Despite existing regulations requiring valid passports, visas, return tickets, and a minimum of USD 500 in foreign exchange, many Nepalis—especially women—are being deceived by unregistered agents and middlemen. These intermediaries often promise jobs abroad, resulting in many being defrauded at multiple stages before reaching immigration checkpoints.

Immigration Chief at TIA, Narhari Ghimire, noted, “This is a matter of national dignity. We are committed to transparency, safety, and citizen-centered service delivery. Success will require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.”

Calls for reform have intensified both in Parliament and on the streets, prompting the government to initiate investigations and consider forming a high-level probe committee. Two political parties have even obstructed House proceedings to demand urgent action.

Experts and officials alike argue that isolated and reactionary restrictions are not a sustainable solution. The Department of Immigration concludes that the visit visa issue requires a comprehensive, integrated, and forward-looking policy shift, focusing not just on restriction but also on regulation and protection.

As the number of visit visa travelers continues to rise—134,825 already recorded by July 2025—the government faces mounting pressure to streamline migration channels, ensure proper oversight, and protect vulnerable groups from exploitation.

Key Stats:

2024 Visit Visa Travelers: 271,305

Women Travelers (2024): 42.1%

Key Destinations: UAE, Thailand, Oman, Malaysia, Qatar

Projected 2025 (by July): 134,825