Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Department of Passports (DoP) has begun issuing passports through a new management system.
Issuing a statement on Monday, the DoP said some applicants have already received passport services through the new platform.
The department said minor technical issues could arise during the first three months of implementation but assured that passport services would remain smooth, regular and uninterrupted.
“Service-seekers needing a new passport or those who need to renew their passports can apply through their respective district administration offices, DoP or Nepali missions stationed abroad as in the past,” the DoP said in the statement. “Passport-related records of around 10 million Nepali citizens have been securely migrated to the new system.”
The DoP also said that although some technical glitches may arise during the three-month stabilization period of the new system, it was hopeful that the service would be smooth and regular. “Our technical team, staff and experts from the company that developed the system are on standby around the clock to continuously monitor, test and improve the system in preparation for any potential technical issues,” it added.
Earlier, there was uncertainty over the passport distribution process after the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested officials of the DoP over allegations of irregularities in the procurement of new vendors – Veridos and Mühlbauer of Germany. However, the process moved ahead after the court refused to stay the proceedings.
Before that, French firm IDEMIA was providing passports for the DoP.
