KATHMANDU – The Nepalese government has introduced tighter procedures for domestic and foreign journalists covering the devastating Bhote Koshi River floods, requiring reporters to complete additional documentation before gathering news from affected areas.
According to directives issued by the Department of Information and Press under Nepal’s Ministry of Information and Communications, foreign journalists must submit copies of their passports and valid visas, along with appointment letters or contracts from their respective media organizations.
The department has also asked foreign journalists to provide recommendation letters from their media organizations and from the foreign ministry of their home countries, or from embassies or consular offices based in Nepal.
However, Department of Information spokesperson Govinda Prasad Pandey said the measures do not constitute a new policy. He said issuing press passes to foreign journalists has long been a routine procedure under Nepal’s existing regulations governing the press and broadcasting sectors.
The requirements come after a devastating flood struck the Bhote Koshi River early Wednesday, prompting numerous international media organizations to send reporters to areas severely affected by the disaster.
A government source said the measures were not intended as permanent restrictions but were introduced to ensure more organized news coverage during the ongoing disaster.
Foreign journalists are also required to submit identification cards issued by their media organizations, along with details of their salaries and allowances. After submitting the required documents, applicants must apply online.
Once their applications are approved, journalists must appear in person at the department with two passport-size photographs to collect their press representative certificates and journalist identification cards.
Pandey said the department would remain open even on public holidays to ensure that foreign journalists arriving in Nepal to cover the disaster do not face delays or inconvenience.
He also said foreign journalists already in Nepal who have not yet obtained press passes must secure one before beginning their reporting. Reports produced without the required press pass would not be considered valid under the department’s procedures, he said.
Nepali journalists are also required to apply online through the Department of Information’s website. They must submit copies of their citizenship certificates, appointment letters issued by their media organizations and recommendation letters from their employers.
Additional documents required from Nepali applicants include educational certificates, proof of renewal or updating of media organization registration, undertakings and bank statements certifying the regular payment of salaries and allowances.
A Ministry of Information and Communications official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the directive was primarily aimed at monitoring and maintaining records of foreign journalists working in Nepal.
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