The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal, concluding that the conditions justifying the designation no longer exist. This decision, detailed in today’s Federal Register notice, follows a review of Nepal’s recovery from the 2015 earthquake and its capacity to manage the return of its citizens.
DHS evaluated whether significant disruptions to living conditions persisted in affected areas and whether Nepal could adequately handle the repatriation of its nationals, in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act. After a comprehensive review and consultation with the U.S. Department of State, the DHS Secretary determined that Nepal has made substantial progress.
“Based on her review and consultation with the Department of State, the Secretary determined that, overall, there are notable improvements in environmental disaster preparedness and response capacity, as well as substantial reconstruction from the earthquake’s destruction, such that there is no longer a disruption of living conditions and Nepal is adequately able to manage the return of its nationals,” the Federal Register notice states. “The Secretary has determined that the conditions supporting Nepal’s June 24, 2015, TPS designation based on the earthquake are no longer met.”
DHS highlighted significant reconstruction efforts by the Nepalese government and the international community. Citing government data from Nepal’s September 2024 disaster report, DHS noted that 88.36% of damaged households have been rebuilt.
The notice further explains, “The recovery efforts of the Nepalese Government and the international community have addressed the significant damage from the April 25, 2015, earthquake. Per the Nepalese Government’s September 2024 Disaster Report on reconstruction, 88.36% of damaged households have been rebuilt.”
Additional evidence presented by DHS includes data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, indicating that while some earthquake-displaced individuals still face socioeconomic challenges, 90% of surveyed internally displaced persons have purchased new homes. In the health sector, 81.43% of damaged facilities have been reconstructed, according to government reports cited by DHS.
According to the notice, “While some of the people displaced by the earthquake continue to experience socioeconomic impacts, 90% of the surveyed internally displaced individuals had purchased a new home. In the health sector, 81.43% of damaged facilities have been reconstructed.”
DHS also referenced a World Bank report stating that over 300,000 homes have been built with support from the World Bank and other donors who provided technical assistance. Nepal’s National Reconstruction Authority was dissolved in 2021 after most of the affected structures were rebuilt. As noted in the DHS summary: “The World Bank and other donors built more than 300,000 houses and provided technical assistance to communities and local governments. Nepal’s National Reconstruction Authority was disbanded in 2021 after most impacted structures were rebuilt.”
Despite ongoing regional environmental challenges such as floods and landslides, DHS cited an Asian Development Bank report highlighting improved government preparedness and response capabilities. The report also noted advancements in constructing disaster-resilient housing, infrastructure, and community systems, creating a safer and more stable environment for returnees.
“Though Nepal continues to experience regional environmental events, including flooding and landslides, the government has improved its preparedness and response capacity. Similar progress has been made in building disaster-resilient housing, infrastructure, and community systems, thereby creating a safer and more stable environment for returnees,” the Federal Register notice states.
DHS emphasized Nepal’s overall improvement in conditions related to living standards and its capacity to manage the return of citizens. While Nepal remains one of the world’s poorest countries, the World Bank reported a 2% GDP growth from fiscal year 2023 to 2024. Economic growth has remained stable, with a projected 4.9% increase this year, alongside declining inflation and greater purchasing power for low-income households—factors DHS cited in its decision to end TPS.
“Conditions in Nepal have improved in several areas relevant to the previously affected living conditions and Nepal’s ability to manage the return of its nationals,” the notice adds. “Though Nepal remains one of the poorest countries in the world, its gross domestic product grew by two percent from Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 to FY 2024. Nepal’s economic growth has been steady in recent years and is forecast to grow at a rate of 4.9% this year. In 2024, inflation decreased, and the purchasing power of lower-income households increased.”
Further supporting the decision, DHS noted that Nepal has consistently accepted the return of its citizens subject to U.S. deportation orders over the past five years. Of the approximately 12,700 TPS holders from Nepal, an estimated 5,500 have already obtained lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
