Key Takeaways
• Home Minister Lekhak accused Rabi Lamichhane of misusing a visit visa to obtain US citizenship on July 9, 2025.
• Lamichhane entered the US on a visit visa, overstayed, gained citizenship in 2014, then renounced it in 2018 to regain Nepali citizenship.
• The accusation threatens Lamichhane’s political career and raises concerns about visa misuse and public officials’ integrity in Nepal.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has publicly accused Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and former Home Minister, of misusing a visit visa to obtain US citizenship. This accusation, made on July 9, 2025, has sparked fresh debate about the use of visit visas, the process of acquiring foreign citizenship, and the legal and political consequences for public figures in Nepal.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Rabi Lamichhane, a well-known political leader and media personality, is at the center of a new controversy. Home Minister Lekhak claims Lamichhane traveled to the United States 🇺🇸 on a visit visa, overstayed, and then obtained US citizenship while living there without legal status. This situation has raised serious questions about Lamichhane’s eligibility to hold public office in Nepal and the broader issue of how visit visas can be misused for immigration purposes.
Key Details of the Accusation
- Who is involved? Rabi Lamichhane, president of the RSP and former Home Minister, is accused by current Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
- What is the accusation? Misusing a visit visa to enter the United States 🇺🇸 and later obtaining US citizenship while staying there illegally.
- When did this happen? The accusation was made public on July 9, 2025, but the events in question date back to Lamichhane’s time in the United States 🇺🇸, starting with his visit visa entry and ending with his US citizenship in 2014.
- Why is this important? The case highlights the legal and political risks of misusing visit visas and raises concerns about the integrity of public officials.
Background: Lamichhane’s Citizenship Journey
Rabi Lamichhane’s citizenship history is complex. He originally held Nepali citizenship by descent, obtained in 1994. In 2014, he became a US citizen. According to Nepal’s Citizenship Act, gaining foreign citizenship automatically cancels Nepali citizenship. Lamichhane later renounced his US citizenship in June 2018 to reclaim his Nepali citizenship.
This sequence of events has led to ongoing scrutiny. Critics argue that Lamichhane’s actions show a pattern of bending or breaking rules for personal gain. Supporters, however, say he followed the legal process to regain his Nepali citizenship and should not be punished for past mistakes.
Legal and Political Implications
The accusation against Lamichhane has several important legal and political consequences:
- Legal Status: If Lamichhane did misuse a visit visa to obtain US citizenship, he could face legal action in Nepal. The law is clear that using false information or breaking visa rules can lead to criminal charges and loss of public office.
- Political Fallout: The RSP, Lamichhane’s party, is under pressure. Rivals are using the scandal to question Lamichhane’s honesty and fitness to lead. The party’s reputation and future could be at risk if the accusations are proven true.
- Public Trust: Many Nepalis are watching closely. The case has become a symbol of the need for honesty and transparency among political leaders.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like Lamichhane’s show how important it is for public officials to follow both the letter and the spirit of immigration and citizenship laws.
RSP’s Response and Demands
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has not stayed silent. The party is demanding a high-level parliamentary inquiry into the visit visa scandal, similar to the investigation Lamichhane faced for alleged cooperative scams. The RSP has criticized the government for setting up a bureaucratic probe committee instead of a parliamentary one, arguing that only a parliamentary inquiry can ensure fairness and transparency.
Party leaders say the accusations are politically motivated and designed to weaken the RSP’s growing influence. They insist that Lamichhane has already answered questions about his citizenship and that the government should focus on real issues facing the country.
Expert Opinions: Legal and Political Analysis
Legal experts in Nepal stress that the law must be applied equally to everyone, regardless of their political status. They point out that:
- Misusing a visit visa—for example, by overstaying or working without permission—can lead to serious consequences, including being barred from future visas, criminal charges, and loss of citizenship.
- Obtaining citizenship through improper means can result in the loss of public office and even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.
One legal analyst explained, “This case sets an important example. If leaders are not held accountable, it sends the wrong message to the public and to those who might consider breaking the rules themselves.”
From a political perspective, the accusations against Lamichhane reflect deeper struggles for power in Nepal. Political parties often use scandals to attack their rivals and gain an advantage. In this case, the focus on Lamichhane’s visit visa and US citizenship is part of a larger battle over who has the right to lead the country.
How Visit Visas Work and Why They Matter
A visit visa is a type of short-term visa that allows people to enter a country for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. Visit visas do not allow holders to work or stay permanently. In the United States 🇺🇸, the most common visit visa is the B-2 visa. Overstaying a visit visa or using it to live or work in the country illegally is a violation of immigration law.
In Lamichhane’s case, the accusation is that he entered the United States 🇺🇸 on a visit visa but did not return to Nepal when his visa expired. Instead, he stayed in the country and later applied for US citizenship. If true, this would be a clear misuse of the visit visa and a violation of both US and Nepali laws.
Nepal’s Citizenship Laws: What the Rules Say
Nepal’s Citizenship Act states that any Nepali citizen who acquires foreign citizenship automatically loses their Nepali citizenship. To regain Nepali citizenship, a person must renounce their foreign citizenship and apply for restoration. The process is strict and requires proof that the person no longer holds foreign citizenship.
For more details on citizenship laws and procedures, readers can visit the Department of Immigration, Nepal, which provides official information on visa and citizenship requirements.
Impacts on Immigrants and the Nepali Community
The Lamichhane case is not just about one person. It has wider effects on Nepali immigrants, political leaders, and ordinary citizens:
- For Immigrants: The case is a reminder that misusing visit visas can have long-term consequences. Many Nepalis dream of living or working abroad, but breaking visa rules can lead to bans, deportation, and loss of future opportunities.
- For Political Leaders: The scandal shows that leaders must be held to high standards. If politicians break the rules, it damages public trust and weakens democracy.
- For the Public: The case has sparked debate about fairness, honesty, and the need for clear rules. Many people want to see equal treatment for all, regardless of political power.
Possible Solutions and Next Steps
To address the issues raised by the Lamichhane case, several steps can be taken:
- Stricter Enforcement: Authorities should enforce visa and citizenship laws more strictly to prevent misuse. This includes better tracking of visa overstays and more thorough background checks for citizenship applicants.
- Transparent Investigations: Any inquiry into Lamichhane’s actions should be open and fair. A parliamentary investigation, as demanded by the RSP, could help ensure that the process is not influenced by political bias.
- Clearer Rules for Public Office: Nepal may need to update its laws to make sure that only those who meet all legal requirements can hold public office. This could include regular checks on the citizenship status of politicians.
- Public Awareness: The government and civil society groups should educate the public about the risks of misusing visit visas and the importance of following legal procedures for citizenship.
What This Means for the Future
The outcome of the investigation into Rabi Lamichhane will have lasting effects on Nepali politics and immigration policy. If the accusations are proven, Lamichhane could lose his position and face legal penalties. The RSP’s future may also be at stake, depending on how the party handles the crisis.
More broadly, the case could lead to:
- Policy Changes: Lawmakers may push for stricter visa controls and tougher penalties for misuse.
- Greater Transparency: There may be calls for more open government and better checks on public officials.
- Increased Scrutiny: Other politicians and public figures could face similar investigations if there are questions about their citizenship or visa history.
Voices from the Community
Many Nepalis, both at home and abroad, are watching the case closely. Some see it as a chance to clean up politics and make sure leaders follow the rules. Others worry that the focus on Lamichhane is a distraction from bigger problems facing the country.
A Nepali student in the United States 🇺🇸 shared, “It’s important for everyone to follow the law, but I hope this doesn’t stop honest people from trying to make a better life abroad. We need clear rules and fair treatment for all.”
Practical Guidance for Readers
If you are considering traveling or moving abroad, keep these tips in mind:
- Always follow visa rules. Do not overstay or work on a visit visa.
- Understand the consequences. Breaking visa laws can lead to bans, deportation, and trouble with future applications.
- Check your citizenship status. If you become a citizen of another country, learn how it affects your original citizenship.
- Use official resources. For up-to-date information, visit the Department of Immigration, Nepal.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Lamichhane Case
The accusations against Rabi Lamichhane highlight the importance of honesty and transparency in both immigration and politics. Misusing a visit visa to obtain US citizenship is a serious matter with real consequences for individuals and the country as a whole. As Nepal moves forward, the case serves as a reminder that the rules apply to everyone, and that strong, fair laws are the foundation of a healthy democracy.
For more analysis and updates on immigration and citizenship issues, VisaVerge.com reports that cases like this are becoming more common as people seek new opportunities abroad. Staying informed and following the law is the best way to protect your rights and your future.
Learn Today
Visit Visa → A short-term visa allowing temporary entry for tourism, business, or family visits without work or permanent stay.
US Citizenship → Legal status granting full rights and responsibilities as a United States national after a naturalization process.
Nepalese Citizenship Act → Nepal law stating acquiring foreign citizenship automatically cancels Nepalese citizenship and regulates restoration procedures.
Overstay → Remaining in a country beyond the authorized period granted by a visa, violating immigration laws.
Parliamentary Inquiry → An official investigation conducted by a parliament to ensure transparency and accountability in public matters.
This Article in a Nutshell
Accused of misusing a visit visa to illegally gain US citizenship, Rabi Lamichhane faces legal and political challenges that highlight visa abuse risks and political integrity concerns in Nepal.
— By VisaVerge.com
