Consensus reached to strictly enforce diplomatic passport law, move toward long-term reforms

KATHMANDU: A parliamentary discussion on the recommendation and use of diplomatic passports has concluded with an agreement to strictly enforce existing legal provisions in the short term while moving toward necessary legal and policy reforms in the long term.

The agreement was reached during a meeting held on Wednesday in the presence of Speaker D.P. Arayal, where chief whips, whips, and representatives from all political parties in the House of Representatives discussed making the use of diplomatic passports more transparent, dignified, and accountable.

Lawful use only, says Speaker

Speaker Arayal clarified that decisions regarding diplomatic passports must strictly remain within the framework of existing laws. He added that, if necessary, legal amendments could be pursued through consultation with relevant stakeholders, experts, and concerned institutions.

He stressed that the credibility of the passport system is directly linked to Nepal’s international image and therefore any ambiguity or misuse must not be tolerated.

Lawmakers acknowledge past misuse

Lawmakers participating in the discussion acknowledged that diplomatic passports had been misused in the past, which they said had negatively affected Nepal’s international reputation. They emphasized the need for stricter control, clearer responsibility, and greater accountability in the system.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Chief Whip Kabindra Burlakoti said diplomatic passports must be used strictly in accordance with existing legal provisions, warning against any deviation from the law.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Yogesh Gauchan Thakali said that parliamentary privileges should not only be viewed as benefits but also as responsibilities, highlighting the need for capacity building among lawmakers.

CPN-UML lawmaker Guru Prasad Baral said misuse of diplomatic passports had contributed to tarnishing the country’s image, calling for a review of its historical background and policy framework.

Similarly, CPN (Maoist Centre) Chief Whip Yubaraj Dulal emphasized tightening controls, especially to prevent misuse through members included in official delegations traveling abroad.

Legal clarity and administrative stance

Federal Parliament Secretary General Padma Prasad Pandey noted that the legal framework is already clear, stating that diplomatic passports are intended strictly for official purposes, while ordinary passports should be used for personal travel without complications.

He underscored that passports must not be used beyond their designated purpose.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai clarified that under the Passport Act, 2019 and its regulations of 2020, diplomatic passports are strictly for government or special official duties. He added that practical challenges in visa processing should be addressed through appropriate solutions.

The meeting also agreed to conduct further study on the scope of diplomatic passport use, nomination processes, and international practices, with a view to introducing necessary policy reforms in the future.