KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Land Management, Co-operatives, Federal Affairs & General Administration has sought clarification from four civil servants who allegedly remained abroad after obtaining foreign residency permits and failed to return to their assigned offices following the expiry of their approved leave.
In a public notice, the ministry said legal action had been initiated against the employees after it found they had continued living overseas instead of resuming their official duties.
According to the notice, the employees had obtained temporary residence permits, permanent residence permits, or Diversity Visa (DV) status while still serving in the civil service.
Under Nepal’s civil service laws, government employees are prohibited from obtaining or even applying for foreign residency while holding office. They are also required to report back to their workplace within 30 days after the expiration of approved leave.
The ministry said the employees’ continued absence constitutes a violation of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (2049 BS). It has directed them to submit written explanations, along with supporting evidence, within 15 days, warning that disciplinary action could result in their permanent disqualification from future government employment.
Pratibha Rawal said the ministry has intensified monitoring to strengthen discipline and accountability within the civil service.
She said the government remains committed to maintaining discipline in public administration and is reviewing the status of employees who have remained absent from their duties. Appropriate action, she added, will be taken in accordance with the law.
The ministry also said it has stepped up efforts to identify and investigate other civil servants who are believed to be living abroad without authorization or have remained out of contact with their offices for prolonged periods.
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