Govt planning to allow private sector to collect biometric data of Nepalis abroad

Nepal's government is moving to permit private sector involvement in collecting biometric data from its citizens living abroad as part of the passport application process. This significant shift is detailed in the Passport (First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal registered in the House of Representatives on July 30.

The proposed amendment seeks to facilitate the passport application procedure for the Nepali diaspora. Currently, the process for collecting such sensitive data is primarily managed by government entities. The bill suggests that private companies could be authorized to handle this task, potentially improving efficiency and accessibility for Nepalis overseas.

Details regarding the specific responsibilities of private entities and the oversight mechanisms to ensure data security and privacy are expected to be elaborated as the bill progresses through the legislative process. The move reflects a broader trend of leveraging private sector expertise to enhance public services, though it also raises questions about data protection and the potential for commercialization of sensitive personal information.