Kathmandu: The government has amended the Passport Regulations, 2077, granting the privilege of red (diplomatic) passports to senior officials from Nepal’s security and intelligence agencies. This includes the Chief of the Nepali Army, Additional Inspector Generals (AIGs) of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, and the Additional Chief Investigation Director of the National Investigation Department.
Under the previous regulations, these high-ranking officials were not eligible for red passports, even for official or special government-related travel. However, the newly amended Passport (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2081, has updated the list of individuals entitled to diplomatic passports.
The amendment specifically adds these positions to Clause (n) of Rule 10 of the Passport Regulations, 2077. The clause, which previously included positions such as the Chairman of the Provincial Judicial Service Commission, now extends to include “Major General, Additional Inspector General of Police, Additional Inspector General of Armed Police, and Additional Chief Investigation Director of the National Investigation Department.”
This change is expected to facilitate smoother official travel for these senior officials, aligning their privileges with their high-level roles in national security and governance.