Immigration Department Detains Chinese and American Nationals for Suspicious Activities in Nepal

The Department of Immigration has arrested one Chinese national and one American national on allegations of engaging in suspicious activities while residing in Nepal. The Chinese national was arrested from Chabahil on Monday, and the American national from Thaibo, stated Tikaram Dhakal, Director of the Department of Immigration, to Ratopati.

Initial investigation by the department revealed that they were involved in suspicious activities contrary to the purpose of their visas. The department has not disclosed their names.

It was found that the Chinese national, who had been living in a flat in Paknajol, first arrived in Nepal on a tourist visa in 2012 and subsequently obtained a business visa 13 times. Director Dhakal stated that although he obtained business visas by establishing six companies, he was teaching at various schools.

He added, “There is a legal provision that foreign citizens are not allowed to work while staying in Nepal on tourist and business visas.” The American citizen first entered Nepal in 2017.

He returned to Nepal in 2020 and established a company named Calvary Service Center Pvt. Ltd. in Sanga Chokgadi, Sindhupalchok. The address of the company was noted as Saimbu in Lalitpur.

The initial investigation findings of the department conclude that he was operating an orphanage in Godawari, Lalitpur, and was allegedly proselytizing Christian religious beliefs to the children. Director Dhakal informed that they are currently under investigation while in custody.