Kathmandu: The long-standing controversy surrounding visit visas at Tribhuvan International Airport’s Immigration Department remains unresolved, drawing renewed criticism amid allegations of deep-rooted corruption, human trafficking, and political interference.

Despite years of exposure, illegal activities at the immigration desk persist, with reports indicating that millions of rupees are siphoned daily through unauthorized dealings — turning the department into what many critics now call a "money-making enterprise."

Rising Political and Legal Tensions
Recent interest shown by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has brought the issue into sharper focus. With concerns growing over increased human trafficking cases, Home Minister Rabi Lekhak had earlier issued strong warnings to staff, declaring that such activities would not be tolerated.

However, questions are now being raised about the minister’s own involvement and silence as the same visit visa scandal continues to unfold — particularly given his earlier strong stance.

Political Connections and Institutional Complicity
This saga stretches back to 2079 BS, when Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) became Prime Minister, and the UML was a key coalition partner. Then-Home Minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane appointed treasurer Koshraj Niraula as Director General of the Immigration Department under UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s direction.

Following Niraula’s appointment, the issue of unauthorized visit visas gained traction, with whistleblowers and experts exposing how thousands of Nepalis were sent to Middle Eastern countries under questionable arrangements. Reports suggest Niraula, along with Chief Immigration Officer Suresh Panthi, provided cover for the operation, which effectively turned the immigration system into a human trafficking conduit.

While lawmakers — including some from the ruling Nepali Congress — voiced concern and demanded accountability, the matter was repeatedly sidelined. Allegations persisted that certain officials and political actors were benefiting financially from the scheme.

Fallout and Political Disruption
Now, with the CIAA actively investigating, the focus has turned to who profited from the operations. Internal discord within the ruling coalition has also surfaced. The latest controversy involves Home Minister Lekhak’s close associate Bhattarai, who has become a liability amid mounting political pressure. Protests from RSP, Maoists, and RPP have disrupted parliamentary proceedings, calling for greater transparency and accountability.

The situation highlights broader questions about impunity and collusion in Nepal’s immigration system. With frequent government changes, suspicions remain about whether such corrupt networks are protected or systematically replaced.

Call for Transparency and Reform
While the CIAA’s involvement is seen as a positive step, concerns linger about its timing and approach. Many are calling for thorough investigations — including audits of wealth and assets of all those linked to the department — to root out entrenched corruption and restore public trust.

For now, however, the visit visa scandal remains one of Nepal’s most pressing and unresolved governance challenges, exposing the fragility of institutional accountability in the face of political interference.