Secretary asks immigration officials to behave, help promote tourism

The immigration officials must treat tourists in a good manner as they create the first and last impression of the country on the visitors, said secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister Krishna Hari Baskota, during the surprise inspection of the Immigration office here today.

Tourism industry has a huge potential for growth in Nepal, he said, adding that the officials must be aware of their duty in promoting tourism.

The Immigration Office has informed that it has distributed 1,754 non-tourist visa, 60 journalists visa, and 1,055 visa for marital reason and some 2,254 were granted visa for visiting Nepal to meet their relatives in the 11 months – from January to November – of 2013.

Though the Citizen Charter in the Immigration gives rights to students to claim compensation, if their visa process is delayed – no one has claimed till date, Baskota added. "Some 1,699 received students' visa, whereas 2,073 received business visa, 27 resident visa, and 112 Non-Resident Nepalis have also got visa in the 11 months of 2013.

The immigration has mobilised Rs 183.31 million from the issuance of visa in the period. Likewise, the immigration has earned Rs 152.79 million from trekking permit to visit restricted area of the country, informed director general of the Immigration Saradchandra Poudel, on the occasion.