Global Dreams, Local Realities: The Nepalese Passport Struggle

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to travel, collaborate, and share knowledge across borders is more important than ever. For many Nepalese, however, the dream of exploring global opportunities is often overshadowed by the harsh realities of visa restrictions, bureaucratic hurdles, and systemic discrimination. As a Nepalese passport holder and an international scientist, I have experienced firsthand how these barriers not only hinder personal and professional growth but also perpetuate inequality on a global scale.

The Visa Dilemma: A Never-Ending Battle

For many of us, the process of obtaining a visa is a daunting and often humiliating experience. Despite holding a Ph.D. and working on international projects aimed at addressing global challenges, I have repeatedly faced delays, rejections, and last-minute approvals that have disrupted my work and caused significant stress.

For instance, I once had to cancel a critical project trip to Papua New Guinea because I couldn’t secure a transit visa through Australia in time. The visa application for Papua New Guinea itself had taken nearly three months, and the delay in transit approval left me with no choice but to abandon the trip. This not only affected me but also my local partners who had invested time and resources in preparation.

Similarly, I once organized a symposium at an international conference in Greece, only to realize that my visa conditions for New Zealand (where I currently reside) wouldn’t allow me to re-enter the country after the conference dates. This forced me to cancel my participation, missing out on valuable opportunities to build connections and share my work with global peers.

These experiences are not unique to me. Many Nepalese professionals, whether they are scientists, entrepreneurs, or students, face similar challenges. The constant uncertainty and anxiety surrounding visa approvals make it difficult to plan ahead, often forcing us to miss out on opportunities that could have a transformative impact on our careers and lives.

Discrimination at Borders: The Color of Our Passport

Even when visas are secured, the challenges don’t end. As a Nepalese passport holder, I have often been subjected to additional scrutiny and differential treatment at international borders. In 2023, while traveling to Bali for a conference as an invited speaker, I was singled out by customs officials and asked to undergo extra checks, while my colleague from New Zealand passed through without issue. This kind of treatment is not only frustrating but also deeply humiliating.

On another occasion, while traveling to Russia for a research project, I was detained at the customs office for two hours, with officials claiming that “Nepal is a dangerous country.” Similarly, in Cambodia, I was asked for a bribe to pass through customs, while my U.S. colleagues—traveling in the same group—were waved through without question. These incidents highlight the pervasive bias and discrimination faced by Nepalese travellers, regardless of their qualifications or intentions.

The Emotional Toll: Family Struggles

The challenges of international travel extend beyond the individual. For those of us with families, the emotional toll can be equally significant. As an immigrant with my family based in New Zealand, every trip I take requires detailed coordination to ensure my children are cared for in my absence. My wife, who works full-time, often has to take leave to manage school drop-offs and pick-ups, adding to the strain.

When my daughter was younger, she would tear up every time she saw me packing my bags, afraid I might never return. These moments are a stark reminder of the sacrifices that come with pursuing international opportunities, sacrifices that are rarely acknowledged in the glossy reports of global projects.

A Shared Struggle and a Path Forward

The struggles I’ve described are not mine alone; they are shared by countless Nepalese professionals who strive to make a difference on the global stage. While our passport may limit our mobility, it does not define our potential. To address these challenges, we need systemic changes that promote equity and fairness. Then only, we can create a world where talent and determination—not nationality—are the keys to success.

As Nepalese, we have much to offer the world. It’s time the world recognized that.

** An earlier version of this article was published on Entomology Today, focusing on the professional challenges faced by scientists from the Global South. This version has been adapted for a broader Nepalese audience, highlighting the struggles many of us face due to our nationality and the color of our passports.)