Kathmandu, 28 Sep: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana, obtained diplomatic passports on Constitution Day, October 3. The matter has sparked heated debate in Nepal’s political and social circles. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Passports have not officially clarified when or how the couple received their passports. Earlier, on September 9, protesters vandalized and set fire to the Deuba residence in Budhanilkantha, and both Deuba and Rana were physically assaulted. The Nepali Army rescued them around 9:30 p.m. and moved them to Chhauni for safety. They are currently under medical treatment, with leaders of the Congress party confirming that their health is gradually improving. Meanwhile, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation has reportedly collected burned foreign currency evidence from the residence.
Because of this, the couple has faced accusations of attempting to flee to Thailand under the pretext of medical treatment. Foreign ministry and passport department officials, however, confirmed that the passports were issued using a “mobile kit” service provided directly at their location due to their high-profile status. The mobile kit enables capturing biometric data and photographs without requiring applicants to visit the office in person.
Issuance on Public Holiday Raises Questions
The passports were issued on October 3, a public holiday, which has raised further suspicion. Officials explained that passport services are classified as “essential services,” and in urgent cases, limited services are provided even on public holidays. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a team was deployed to collect biometric data and photos of the Deuba couple on humanitarian grounds since both were hospitalized at the time.
Passport Department Director General Tirtharaj Aryal confirmed the passports were issued but said he could not share more details as they fall under private personal records. He further clarified that unless a competent investigative body explicitly instructs the department not to issue a passport, every eligible Nepali citizen has the right to obtain one. In the Deuba couple’s case, no such restriction order was received.
Thailand Visa Adds Fuel to the Debate
The controversy deepened after reports emerged that the Deuba couple had also obtained visas for Thailand. Critics alleged they were preparing to escape the country. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that under a bilateral agreement signed in January 1999, holders of diplomatic and official passports from Nepal and Thailand are exempt from obtaining advance visas for visits of up to 90 days. This means the Deubas did not require a Thai visa in the first place. Still, it remains unclear why they chose to apply for one, as their secretariat has not provided an official response.
