Nepal Urges Citizens in U.S. to Avoid Misusing Government Benefits Amid “Public Charge” Concerns

The Government of Nepal has urged Nepali nationals living in the United States not to illegally claim or depend on any U.S. government welfare benefits, warning that doing so could result in visa and green card cancellations under American immigration laws.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA Nepal) cautioned Nepalis residing in the U.S. for study, work, business, travel, or family visits against providing false information or misusing public assistance programs. The ministry specifically mentioned benefits such as subsidized healthcare, housing support, family aid, and educational assistance.

According to the ministry, U.S. authorities have informed Nepal that foreign nationals found receiving such benefits through fraudulent means may face direct consequences, including visa revocation or loss of permanent residency status. The advisory also noted that some Nepalis who traveled to the U.S. in 2024 were among the top recipients of such federal assistance.

Citing the new U.S. policy measures, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry reminded that, effective January 21, Nepali applicants for B1/B2 visitor visas must now post a bond of between USD 5,000 and 15,000. This requirement follows growing concerns over overstays and misuse of visitor visas by Nepali citizens who engage in unauthorized employment or remain in the country beyond their permitted stay.

The ministry warned that these violations could further strain U.S. visa policies toward Nepal and negatively impact the nation’s reputation abroad. “Such acts may make it increasingly difficult for Nepali citizens to obtain U.S. visas in the future,” the statement said.

The notice was issued shortly after a courtesy call earlier in the week by Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, Mr. Scott Urbom, who met with Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai at the Ministry. The two discussed various aspects of Nepal–U.S. relations on the occasion.

Following the ministry’s announcement, Nepal’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., and its Consulates General in the United States also issued similar public notices to alert Nepali nationals.

The U.S. State Department has temporarily paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries including Nepal, effective January 21. This indefinite suspension—pending review of “public charge” enforcement—directs consular officers to deny visas to applicants likely to depend on government aid.

Compounding the immigrant visa halt, the U.S. has imposed a “visa bond” on Nepali B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) applicants since January 21. Travelers must deposit USD 5,000–15,000 as refundable security—a step deemed excessive for Nepal’s economy. 

Former Foreign Secretary Madan Bhattarai called the measures a “mirror” of Nepal’s weak passport credibility, tied to economic fragility, diplomatic passport abuse, and historical overstay issues by officials, athletes, and others.

Ex-ambassador Yuba Nath Lamsal labeled the bond “unrealistic,” urging proactive U.S. diplomacy for exemptions via trust-building on development and labor ties. Nepal Police spokesperson SSP Bishnu Kumar KC highlighted 70% recapture of escaped inmates and data-sharing with U.S. agencies to counter security concerns.