Seventeen U.S. citizens, who were investigated by the Immigration Department on charges of visa misuse after entering Nepal as tourists, have returned to their home country before any action could be taken against them.
These 17 Americans were arrested on accusations of religious proselytization under the guise of volunteer work while on tourist visas and were later released.
They were under investigation by the Immigration Department but returned to their home country before the investigation was concluded. All of them flew back on a Qatar Airways flight on Friday.
The Immigration Department had been preparing to deport them and impose a ban on their re-entry to Nepal for a specified period. However, before any action could be taken, they managed to leave the country and return home.
The group had entered Nepal on tourist visas but was allegedly involved in promoting Christianity while participating in the construction of a building for the Prerna Kalyankari Society in Dharan, Sunsari.
Police reported that the Americans, who were initially granted 15-day visas, violated visa regulations by engaging in volunteer labor to construct a church. Their passports were confiscated during the investigation, which was later transferred to the Immigration Department for further action.
Authorities discovered the group’s activities during a routine check, prompting the Sunsari District Administration Office to seize documents and initiate a probe.
Under Nepal’s Immigration Act, the individuals could face deportation and a re-entry ban for a specified period. However, they left the country before the investigation concluded, avoiding immediate legal consequences. The case remains under review as officials determine the appropriate measures.
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Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs.
