This means that Nepal has to introduce the MRPs in the next 46 days at any cost as any traditional non-machine readable passports to be issued after the deadline will be invalid for international travel. But those who have already been using the traditional passports need not worry as they can use their current passports for travel abroad. These travel documents will be considered valid until November 24, 2015, according to the UN agency´s provisions. [break]
ICAO, headquartered in Montréal, Canada, recently informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) about its inability to extend the deadline, saying the deadline was set as per an understanding among member countries, including Nepal.
"ICAO has informed us that it alone cannot extend the deadline and needs mutual permission of other member countries to do so," said a MoFA official about ICAO´s letter to the government.
MoFA had written to the UN agency early this year asking whether the deadline could be extended. The request was made as MoFA was headed to miss the April 1 deadline following quashing of an international bidding process for the MRPs amidst controversy last December.
Six officials visiting India
Meanwhile, a six-member delegation led by Chief of Protocol Mohan Krishna Shrestha is flying to India on Sunday to prepare an assessment report on India´s offer to supply MRPs to Nepal. India has offered to provide the high-tech passport at the cost of US$ 4 each.
But Shrestha and another official will fly to Indian only on Monday as Shrestha is facing a confirmation hearing in parliament Sunday as ambassador-nominee to France. Four members are leaving for Delhi on Sunday.
The team will be in India for five days to study the Indian offer and Nepal also will submit its requirement position before Indian officials, said a MoFA source.
kiran@myrepublica.com
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