In a recent incident at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, a 46-year-old U.S. citizen, Ni Yan, was arrested on Saturday for attempting to smuggle illegal foreign currency out of Nepal. The arrest occurred in the departure hold baggage area as she was preparing to board a Batik Air flight to Malaysia.
During a routine security check, airport authorities discovered a substantial amount of foreign currency hidden in her luggage. The seized items included $12,748 in U.S. dollars, 249 Singapore dollars, 12,000 Indonesian rupiahs, 100 Malaysian ringgit, 19 mobile phones of various brands, 28 SIM cards, and 122 memory cards. The presence of these foreign currencies and electronic items raised suspicions of an illegal attempt to export them.
Following the arrest, Ni Yan was taken into police custody for further questioning and investigation. Authorities stated that she will undergo a detailed inquiry, and the case will be processed for appropriate legal action. The police transferred her to the Gaushala police station for further investigation and necessary procedures.
According to Nepal’s Foreign Exchange (Regulation) Act, 1962, individuals are prohibited from carrying foreign currency exceeding the limit set by the central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), without declaration. Any amount exceeding the legal threshold requires prior approval from the NRB.
Additionally, the Customs Act, 2007, mandates that anyone attempting to export foreign currency or goods beyond the legal limit must declare them to customs authorities. Violating these regulations can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, confiscation of goods, and imprisonment.
The limit is USD 15,000 for those seeking healthcare services outside Nepal. For educational expenses at foreign universities or their affiliated institutions, including tuition fees, affiliations, and examination fees, the limit is USD 25,000.
For businesses needing to urgently procure parts for airplanes, telecommunications, or medical equipment from foreign suppliers, the limit is USD 100,000, provided that the foreign seller extends credit. The foreign exchange facility for Nepali citizens traveling abroad is limited to USD 2,500.
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Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
