Kathmandu— Nepal's House of Representatives approved a proposal for consideration of the Passport (First Amendment) Bill, 2083, which Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal says will bring the country’s passport issuance, cancellation, and management processes in line with international standards. The amendments address gaps in the existing Passport Act, 2076, to ensure smoother travel and enhanced security for Nepali citizens while fulfilling Nepal's obligations to organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Minister Khanal explained that the bill seeks to update national law with the latest ICAO protocols and strengthen border security through coordination with INTERPOL.

Bill Aims to Enhance Passport Credibility

Minister Khanal emphasized the importance of adhering to international standards, stating that internalizing the latest security protocols set by ICAO is Nepal’s international obligation. He highlighted a key provision within the bill requiring coordination with INTERPOL to update details regarding lost or canceled passports, which he believes will bolster the credibility and reputation of Nepali passports internationally. This measure is also expected to contribute to improved border security.

Simplifying Passport Application Procedures

The proposed amendments also focus on streamlining the passport application process for citizens. Minister Khanal clarified that efforts have been made to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, eliminating the need for applicants to repeatedly submit copies of documents after initial submission. Furthermore, the bill removes a previous restriction requiring citizens to obtain passports only from their place of citizenship registration, allowing for easier access and distribution.

Parliamentary Approval and Other Business

A total of 35 Members of Parliament participated in the discussion regarding the proposal, ultimately approving it by majority vote. During the same meeting, Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, presented the ‘Seventh Annual Report of the Tharu Commission, 2081/082’ on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Speaker Aryal announced that consideration would be given to the ‘Reconciliation-Related (Second Amendment) Bill, 2083’ at a future session.

With parliamentary approval secured for consideration, the Passport Bill, 2083 will now move forward in the legislative process towards potential enactment.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.