The Ministry of Home Affairs of Nepal has warned that any individual involved in unlawful activities will face police action, and details of such offenses will be recorded on their police clearance certificate. The ministry said the inclusion of criminal information could affect individuals traveling abroad for study, work, or other purposes.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the ministry urged the public to refrain from engaging in any criminal or unlawful acts and to conduct all activities strictly in accordance with existing laws and procedures. It cautioned that the consequences of such actions could adversely affect a person’s future prospects, including overseas travel and visa applications.
The ministry stated that the “National Crime Record Management and Police Character Certificate Distribution Directive 2080” is currently in force to maintain national security and to systematically manage crime-related records under Nepal’s constitution. The directive outlines the responsibilities and procedures for issuing character certificates, including mechanisms for online applications, trustee authentication, document verification, and integration with the National Identity Information System.
It further warned that any falsification, manipulation, or misuse of the certificates would result in legal action under prevailing laws. The notice also reminded the public of Article 25 of the Criminal Code Act 2074, which stipulates punishment for offenses related to forged documents.
Sharing the ministry’s statement, Nepal Police also cautioned the public: “Details of any individual found to have engaged in illegal activities will be mentioned in the police character certificate. Therefore, applicants seeking to go abroad for study, travel, or employment are advised not to get involved in any criminal offenses.”
The government’s warning comes a week after the U.S. State Department added Nepal to its list of countries whose citizens are required to post a visa bond before receiving a U.S. visitor visa. According to U.S. authorities, the decision partly stems from background check difficulties and growing security concerns related to Nepali applicants.
Foreign diplomatic missions have also expressed concern that escaped convicts from recent protests and jail incidents might misuse travel documents to flee abroad. However, Nepal Police spokesperson SSP Bishnu Kumar KC told NepYork that around 70 percent of escaped inmates and weapons have been brought back under control.
KC added that despite limited resources, Nepal Police has achieved notable success in investigation and crime control, emphasizing that foreign agencies should not perceive Nepal as “security weak.” He said the police department regularly collaborates with foreign missions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for cross-border background verification.
Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
