Kathmandu, Aug. 6 -- Passports are vital identification documents for any citizen wishing to travel abroad. For Nepalis, a passport not only serves as an individual's identity overseas but also reflects the identity of the state. Yet, Nepal continues to outsource passport printing to foreign companies. This raises a critical question: why can't Nepal print its own passports, despite having its own security printing infrastructure?

Why aren't passports printed in Nepal?

To reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for key government documents such as passports, smart licenses, postage stamps, national ID cards, banknotes, checkbooks and excise stickers, Nepal established the Security Printing Centre. This centre oversees the establishment of ...