Electronic Passport Supply in Uncertainty Amidst Government Disagreement

Kathmandu. With the stock of passports decreasing at the Department of Passports, the supply of electronic passports (e-passports) is still in uncertainty.

The department now has only 38,000 passports in stock. In such a situation, government bodies themselves are confused about when new passports will be printed.

There is a disagreement between the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding whether to continue with the existing German company or hand over the responsibility to another company. The Prime Minister's Office is in favor of finding a new alternative, concluding that the German company cannot supply passports, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists on waiting for some time as the contract period is still remaining.

Meanwhile, the German company has stated that it is ready to supply passports. The German government has also written a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging to continue with the same company.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority had filed a case in the Special Court alleging irregularities in the passport purchase case, which is currently under consideration. Just on Monday, the Special Court ordered all seven defendants, including the Director-General of the Department, Tirtharaj Aryal, to be released on bail. The German company is also involved in a case related to that irregularity.

The Prime Minister's Office argues that it is not appropriate to hand over the responsibility of passport supply to a controversial company with ongoing cases. However, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, 'The German company's contract is valid until July 3, and it has committed to supply within that period. It is appropriate to wait until then, and the Prime Minister's Office is almost in agreement, but discussions are not yet concluded.'

The Department of Passports had signed an agreement with two German companies, 'Veridos GmbH' and 'Muhlbauer', on May 23, 2079 BS for the supply of electronic passports for five years. According to the agreement, new passports were supposed to be distributed from February 2079 BS, but the company could not perform its work within the stipulated time. Although the government extended the deadline until July 3, uncertainty has increased after a case was filed alleging irregularities in printing during this period.

With the initiative of the Prime Minister's Office itself, this case was investigated, and Director-General Aryal and representatives of the German company were taken into custody. As the company got involved in controversy, the Prime Minister's Office stood in favor of canceling the contract. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in favor of not rushing as the extended deadline is still remaining.

The Foreign Ministry official added, 'Only two weeks are left until July 3, and if the company does not start work within that period, we will move to alternatives.' As the German government has shown special interest in this matter and has held discussions by summoning the acting Nepali ambassador there, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not in favor of taking immediate harsh decisions.

However, the Prime Minister's Office is still not confident that the German company will start work by July 3.