Kathmandu, June 9 (H.S.): A chartered plane deported 37 Nepali nationals from the U.S. back to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Sunday evening. Upon arrival, the deportees were questioned by immigration officials and security personnel. The deportees included those who overstayed their visas, entered illegally, or failed to regularize their status. Some had been detained under expedited removal policies, allowing quick deportation without a full court hearing for migrants illegally present for under two years.

Since Donald Trump’s presidency, deportations of Nepali citizens have surged due to stricter immigration enforcement; 150 individuals have been deported this year alone, more than double the total in 2024. Previously protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) after the 2015 earthquake, many Nepalis now face deportation as the Trump administration has ended TPS for them. The deported individuals reportedly traveled through dangerous routes, spending between 4 million to 8 million Nepali Rupees, often aided by human trafficking networks.

Nepal’s anti-human trafficking bureau is investigating if any were victims of trafficking or exploitation. The deportees must complete health and security checks before reuniting with families, and further investigations will occur if criminal activity or trafficking is suspected.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar