Major Generals, AIGs Granted Diplomatic Passports as Passport Regulations Amended

The Government of Nepal has expanded the eligibility for diplomatic passports, now including Major Generals of the Nepalese Army and Additional Inspectors General (AIGs) of the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department. This decision comes as part of the second amendment to Rule 10 of the Passport Regulations, 2077 BS, made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Enhanced Privileges for Senior Officials

Previously, only the chiefs of security agencies and lieutenant generals of the Nepalese Army qualified for diplomatic passports. The latest amendment, however, extends this privilege to other senior officers. Rule 10 of the regulation now explicitly includes these officials alongside others, such as the president, vice president, and individuals representing the government abroad for official or special assignments.

The amended provision specifies:
"Rule 10, Section 'n' of the Passport Regulations 2077 BS incorporates the words ‘Major General, Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police, Additional Inspector General of Armed Police, Deputy Director of the National Investigation Department’ after ‘Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission’."

Provisions for Special, Temporary Passports

The amendment also allows officers eligible for special passports to receive a regular or temporary passport if they cannot obtain the former. In such cases, the National Investigation Department will decide the passport’s validity and oversee its issuance process, which will follow the protocol for special passports.

New Rules for General Public

The revised regulations also address practical concerns for citizens:

• New Passports Before Expiry: Individuals may now apply for a new passport even if their current passport has more than one year of validity left.
• Foreign Employment & Studies: Workers traveling abroad for employment and students pursuing higher education can obtain new passports if their current ones lack sufficient validity to cover the duration of their stay, provided they submit the necessary documents.

One-Way Travel Permit Extended

The validity of one-way travel permits has been increased from three months to six months, making it more convenient for individuals needing extended travel periods.

Additional Charges for Reissuing Damaged Passports

In cases where a passport is lost, torn, or rendered unusable, applicants must now pay an additional 50% of the applicable fee to receive a replacement.

These updates aim to streamline passport issuance processes and address the evolving needs of both officials and the general public.