In a controversial move, the Nepal government is proposing a new rule asking women under 40 years of age to produce consent from family and permission from local ward to travel abroad. This, the government claims, will reduce trafficking of women and girl children.
Speaking to Kathmandu Post, Tek Narayan Paudel, Spokesperson with Department of Immigration, said:
“Women under 40 are at a higher risk of trafficking and other abuses. Therefore, the new rule is proposed for their protection. Family of the visiting girl/woman and the local ward office will give a recommendation that she can travel abroad.”