Chinese nationals top Nepal's deportation list
Kathmandu, Aug 10
Nepal deported the largest number of Chinese nationals for violating the country's immigration laws over the five years from 2021 to 2025, according to data from the Department of Immigration.
In its annual publication, the department revealed that Nepal expelled 695 Chinese citizens during the period, accounting for the largest share of foreign nationals deported from the country. Nepal deported a total of 2,267 foreign nationals during the five years, with Chinese nationals accounting for 30.65 per cent of the total.
Citizens of the United States ranked second in terms of deportations during the five years, with 191 nationals deported, while Bangladesh ranked third with 145 deportations. Citizens of the United Kingdom and Pakistan ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in terms of the number of their nationals expelled from Nepal during the period.
"The figures indicate comparatively higher risks of immigration-law violations among nationals of certain countries and point to the need for continued monitoring of foreign nationals entering and staying in Nepal," the department said in its report.
The Department of Immigration deports foreign nationals for violating immigration laws, breaching visa conditions or becoming involved in illegal activities after imposing and collecting fines as prescribed by law.
"The Department of Immigration's monitoring and management of foreign nationals through the Foreign National Management Information System (FNMIS) and 'NepaliPort' is expected to further reduce incidents of visa misuse in the coming days," the department said.
China also topped the list in terms of the number of its nationals expelled in 2025 alone. Nepal expelled a total of 523 foreign nationals that year, of whom 120 were Chinese citizens, representing 22.94 per cent of all foreign nationals deported for violating Nepal's immigration laws.
Chinese nationals also recorded a particularly high number of deportations in 2023. As many as 209 Chinese citizens were deported that year alone, accounting for 46 per cent of all foreign nationals deported from Nepal in 2023.
Immigration data show that the number of foreign nationals deported from Nepal has fluctuated significantly from year to year. A total of 523 foreign nationals were deported in 2025, around 15 per cent higher than the five-year annual average of 453.
The highest number of deportations in the five years was recorded in 2022, when 570 foreign nationals were expelled, while the lowest was recorded in 2021, with 218 deportations, according to the department.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The numbers are alarming, but let's be honest—this isn't just about Nepal. With China's growing influence in the region, it's concerning that so many Chinese nationals are violating visa rules. India needs to stay alert at our own borders and ensure similar systems like Nepal's FNMIS are robust in our country.
Hmm, 695 Chinese deported out of 2,267 total over 5 years—that's over 30%. The 2023 figure of 46% in one year is really high. What kind of illegal activities are they involved in? Nepal needs to be transparent about this. Also, with the Tibet border nearby, India should take note.
As a traveller, I'm surprised to see US nationals second on the list. But honestly, most people who overstay visas aren't dangerous—some are just careless tourists or workers. Still, rules are rules, and Nepal is right to enforce them. The new digital tracking system sounds like a smart move.
Nepal is a sovereign nation and can deport anyone violating its laws. But from an Indian perspective, this is a reminder that China's presence in Nepal is not just economic—it has a darker side. We should be more assertive in monitoring Chinese activities in our own border regions, especially in Sikkim and Arunachal.
The fluctuation is interesting—570 in 2022, 218 in 2021. Probably related to COVID restrictions. I'm glad Nepal is using technology now. My concern is that China might use diplomatic pressure to get these deportees back into Nepal or beyond. India should strengthen its ties with Nepali authorities on
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