On Thursday evening, an Omni Air International chartered flight arrived in Kathmandu carrying 19 Nepali individuals who had been deported from the United States. According to sources, most of those on board had entered the U.S. illegally. American authorities coordinated with the Nepali embassy to prepare the necessary travel documents and facilitate their return. The group consisted of 17 men and 2 women.
Initially, U.S. immigration had informed the Nepali government that 37 people were slated for deportation. However, only 19 were sent back, and the remaining 18 were not included in this phase. The reason for the discrepancy in numbers is unknown to the Nepali airport immigration authorities.
The Director-General of the Department of Immigration Nepal stated that the U.S. has not provided a clear explanation for the difference in numbers, and the matter needs to be addressed diplomatically. He noted that similar discrepancies have occurred in the past without a disclosed reason, and an inquiry is necessary. A spokesperson for the department suggested the discrepancy might be due to legal or procedural issues but could not confirm the exact cause.
The Nepali government has been cooperative in accepting the deported individuals. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, they undergo a standard documentation process with the Department of Immigration before being handed over to the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau.
According to DSP Rugam Kunwar of the Bureau, officials collect detailed information from each person, including their name, address, and travel history to and from the U.S. They document how the individuals traveled, how much it cost, which countries they passed through, when they were apprehended, and how long they were in detention.
Kunwar noted that while few people were willing to file complaints in the past, a recent increase in complaints has led to some arrests and investigations. The Bureau has encouraged the 19 new arrivals to come forward with any information that could aid in investigations.
The deported individuals on Thursday were identified by their last names, including BK, Chhing, Basnet, Bhandari, Bohora, Pokhrel, Sah, Khatri, Subedi, Chhimal, Gautam, two individuals with the last name Chaudhary, three named KC, and three named Kandel.
Thursday’s deportation of 19 individuals brings the total number of Nepalis deported under the Trump administration to 234. According to available data for 2025, the highest numbers of deportations occurred in May (58) and June (42).
The number of deportations is expected to increase in the coming days because the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepalis has expired. Around 1,500 Nepalis with deportation orders were previously protected by TPS, which ended on August 20. This means that if U.S. immigration authorities apprehend them, they can be deported immediately.
Additionally, recent data from ICE shows that about 1,500 other Nepalis who were not covered by TPS also have deportation orders and are still in the U.S.
D. Dhungana
View More PostsDipendra Dhungana is a journalist based in Kathmandu with over a decade of experience in photojournalism. His work has been featured in numerous national and international outlets, showcasing the stories and resilience of the Nepali people. He is also a contributing journalist for NepYork.
