Nepal, a popular destination for tourists worldwide, has also become a hotspot for criminal activities involving foreign nationals. While many visitors come to enjoy the country’s natural beauty, a significant number are using Nepal as a base or transit point for illegal activities. This concerning trend is reflected in the current statistics, which show that 1,432 foreign nationals are currently serving prison sentences in Nepal.
According to the Prison Management Department, the majority of these foreign inmates are Indian citizens, with 1,355 currently behind bars. Other nationalities include 31 Bhutanese, 8 Chinese, 3 Pakistanis, and 2 Canadians. Additionally, there is one prisoner each from the United States, Serbia, Germany, Bangladesh, and Zambia. The data also reveals that 28 individuals from undisclosed countries, including Bolivia and Burma, are serving time in Nepali prisons.
These foreign nationals are incarcerated in various districts across Nepal’s provinces. The distribution is as follows: 255 in Koshi Province, 354 in Madhesh Province, 554 in Bagmati Province, 21 in Gandaki Province, 236 in Lumbini Province, 6 in Karnali Province, and 53 in Sudurpaschim Province.
Nepal Police attribute this rise in crime among foreigners to several factors. Some foreign nationals enter the country under the guise of tourism or business but become involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, customs evasion, fraud, and other serious crimes. The open border between Nepal and India makes it easy for criminals to cross into India to evade capture, further complicating law enforcement efforts.
Criminologists point to Nepal’s lax immigration policies and weak visa monitoring as key reasons for the increase in foreign criminal activity. The lack of strict oversight allows individuals with criminal intent to exploit the system.
Nepal’s borders and airports are under scrutiny for their inadequate security measures. A recent U.S. report highlighted several vulnerabilities, particularly at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The report noted that the airport lacks proper screening protocols and that passenger data is not consistently entered into databases. Additionally, the open border with India, which spans over 1,000 miles with minimal checkpoints, is poorly managed, with insufficient security controls and personnel.
The report also pointed out that the lack of resources, political will, and basic infrastructure further exacerbates the problem. Corruption and inadequate training among border security personnel contribute to the ongoing challenges in maintaining effective border control.
As Nepal grapples with these issues, the country faces increasing pressure to strengthen its border security and immigration policies to curb the rise in crime involving foreign nationals.
Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist and the online editor of Khasokhas. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks.
