Govt. urged to make conducive atmosphere for foreigners to stay in Nepal

Pokhara: Chamber of Commerce, Pokhara chapter has urged the Gandaki provincial government to make conducive atmosphere for the stranded foreigners to stay in Nepal for some more days in the wake of risk posed by Covid-19.

The vehement entreaty to the government was made on behalf of the foreigners stranded in Pokhara after the immigration department issued notice that foreigners whose visa expired should leave Nepal within 15 days after international flights are operated from August 17.

Pokhara Chamber chair Kisan Sunar said the stranded foreigners would not be able to return home within a span of 15 days as per the notice issued by immigration department on June 17 after international flights are operated.

“Around 1500 tourists are stranded in Nepal due to lock down and about 442 tourists are stationed in Pokhara for various reasons. So, an environment should be created for them to stay back in  Nepal because some of these foreigners feel safe in Nepal as their home countries are more risk prone to Covid-19. We must create a friendly environment for the tourists and be sensitive to humanitarian aspects. Since there is no direct flight to the home countries of the tourists, all tourists can’t fly back within the given time” said Sunar.

The entreaty letter submitted to Forest and Environment Ministry of Gandaki province says allowing stranded foreigners to stay back for some more time will not only address their personal needs but also will contribute to revival of the ailing tourism industry in the country following Coronavirus pandemic.

Most of these stranded tourists are unwilling to return home as they think that they will be exposed to threats of Covid-19 in transit stations while retuning to their home countries. In a press meet held by foreigners in Pokhara recently they had expressed their intention not to return to their countries for fear of Covid-19.

Read more: Stranded tourists urge for extension of visa