Passport booklet shortage is limited and will be addressed: MoFA
KATHMANDU: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has said that, although there is a small number of passport booklets available in response to the high demand from service seekers, this issue is being addressed.
The MoFA has clarified that the passport booklet shortage is not to the extent publicised outside. The Department of Passports under the Ministry has already signed a purchase agreement with a new supplier for electronic passports in the month of Shrawan 2082.
According to the agreement, the MoFA stated that work related to the installation of infrastructure and systems is progressing rapidly so that passport services can be started from February 23, 2026.
MoFA spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said, “We are currently in a transitional period of handover–takeover between the new supplier and the current supplier. According to the new purchase agreement, the new service provider is confirmed to start passport production from February 23.”
Although essential passport services provided by the Department will continue to operate, the MoFA has urged that only individuals requiring urgent treatment, immediate employment, or facing difficulties abroad proceed with the current passport application process.
The MoFA has also urged everyone to be patient and assist the government in such a situation. Spokesperson Chhetri said that necessary measures are being taken to ensure that there is no shortage of passports during the current transitional situation, stating arrangements have been made since 5:00 pm on November 3 to accept applications from one thousand people daily, except on the day before a public holiday.
The MoFA expects that this arrangement can meet the current urgent demand for passports, and it has urged everyone to apply for a passport only if necessary until passport services are fully operational from February 23.
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