KATHMANDU: Four Chinese nationals have been arrested on charges of engaging in suspicious activities while staying in Nepal on business visas.
The Immigration Department detained one woman and three men on Friday, said spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal.
According to Dhakal, they were taken into custody from Milijuli Chowk, Mhaipi, in Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu—an area commonly known as “Chinese Housing” due to the large number of Chinese nationals residing there.
Despite holding business visas, the individuals were unable to provide any information regarding their business activities, company names, or related details.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that they allegedly lured financially vulnerable Nepali girls with promises of jobs, made them create TikTok videos, and encouraged them to befriend other Chinese nationals through the platform, ultimately pressuring them into marriage.
The Immigration Department has also reported receiving information that some Nepali girls were being sent to China under the pretext of marriage.
It has further been found that Nepali girls were being kept in rented houses in Mhaipi and transported to various countries. Two of the arrested individuals had reportedly been living in Nepal for the past 10 years on tourist, student, and business visas.
Dhakal added that the detainees failed to present their passports and visas during inspection and misbehaved with immigration officials and security personnel.
Section 6 of the Immigration Act, 2049 BS authorizes immigration officers or designated employees to inspect and seize documents related to the entry, stay, and departure of foreigners at any time and place.
Similarly, the Immigration Regulations, 2051 BS state that foreigners may not engage in activities beyond the purpose of their visa. The law also empowers the Director General to impose fines of up to Rs 50,000 on foreigners staying illegally and to deport them, with or without specifying a re-entry restriction period.
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