According to The Rising Nepal, the passport issuance system operates with significant profit margins, disproportionately affecting migrant workers vital to the national economy. While printing a 64-page passport costs approximately Rs. 1,313.71 (US$ 8.61), government fees range from Rs. 5,000 for standard service to Rs. 12,000 for express processing. For lost or damaged passports, costs can reach Rs. 35,000. International fees vary widely, from US$ 50 in Gulf countries to US$ 150 in the US and parts of Asia.
The system imposes a heavy burden on citizens seeking manual labor abroad. The process includes lengthy wait times for e-passports abroad and complex verification requirements involving National Identity (NID) cards, which can take years to obtain. Analysts suggest reducing fees to Rs. 2,000 to maintain a reasonable profit while aiding the poor, and standardizing international fees to US$ 10.
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