KATHMANDU, March 19: The Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) not to allow foreign players on tourist visas to participate in football matches in Nepal.
In a letter issued on Thursday, the department said it had received complaints that clubs participating in national men’s and women’s league matches were fielding foreign players who had entered Nepal on tourist visas.
“The immigration department has received complaints that football clubs participating in national league matches have included foreign players from various countries who are on tourist visas,” the letter stated.
DOI issued 163,518 visas in the FY 2015/016
The immigration department clarified that if foreign players are to be included in any match, they must obtain the required work permits and labor approvals as per regulations before participating.
According to Immigration Rules, 1994, foreigners are only allowed to engage in activities specified in their visa category and are prohibited from undertaking other work.
The immigration department also warned that monitoring has begun from Thursday, and strict action will be taken if any foreign players are found participating in matches in violation of visa conditions.
