Expansion of Kerung Entry Permits to Benefit Truck Drivers from Other Districts

The Immigration Office Timure Rasuwa is set to issue Kerung entry permits to truck drivers hailing from districts beyond Rasuwa, in accordance with the directives of the Immigration Department.

Preparations are underway to commence the issuance of Kerung entry passes by the end of this month, in line with the department's instructions. All necessary documentation arrangements are being put in place, with the passes scheduled to be distributed by the month's end.

Residents of Rasuwa are currently permitted to stay in China for up to one year, based on the authorization of the district administration. Under the same provision, exclusively the truck and container drivers from Rasuwa have been granted access to Kerung.

Concerns from local businessmen prompted the Immigration Department to take action, as they raised issues related to a labor shortage arising from the restriction on drivers from a single district for importing goods. Last week, the department issued a circular to initiate preparations for permit issuance, following discussions with the Chinese authorities.

The movement of people across the border had been halted in Chaitra 2076 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. However, on the 18th of Chaitra 2079, Nepal and China reached an agreement to reopen the movement of people through the Nepal-China land route.

Subsequently, residents of Rasuwa began receiving permission to enter Kerung, but entry permits for individuals from other districts remained suspended. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Nepali citizens, businessmen, laborers, and drivers could enter Kerung with an entry permit.

The Sindhupalchok District Administration Office has reported that, as per the agreement made on the 18th of Chaitra, final preparations are underway to facilitate the Rasuwagadhi crossing and reopen people's movement through the Tatopani crossing. China has consented to allowing people to cross through the Tatopani border until the 15th of Asoj.