KATHMANDU: The United States (U.S.) has deported 40 to 50 Nepali nationals today (Sunday) for residing illegally in the country.
According to Anjan Neupane, Information Officer at the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the deportees will be flown in on a chartered plane arranged by the US government.
“We have received information that the flight is scheduled to arrive at 4:15 pm. The exact number of returnees is still uncertain, but it is estimated to be between 40 and 50. The final figure will be confirmed only at the last minute,” Neupane said.
This is the second such deportation flight organized by the US for Nepali nationals. Previously, eight Nepalis were deported and brought back to Nepal on a similar chartered flight.
Upon arrival, the Immigration Department plans to conduct detailed screening before handing the deportees over to the Nepal Police. The Human Trafficking Bureau will carry out preliminary interrogations.
“If any of the returnees are willing to share how they reached the US, who facilitated their travel, and identify individuals involved in their illegal entry, the police will initiate further investigation based on their statements,” officials said.
Following former President Donald Trump’s return to office for a second term, the US has adopted stricter immigration policies. As a result, deportations of undocumented immigrants from countries including Nepal and India have increased.
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