Nepal, Oman sign pact on mutual visa exemption

KATHMANDU: Nepal and Oman have signed an agreement on visa exemption for both Nepali and Omani diplomatic and government passport holders to visit each other’s nation.

Ambassador of Nepal to Oman, Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, and the Secretary, Administration and Financial, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate, Mohamed bin Nasser bin Mohamed Al Wahaibi, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments at a function held in Oman on Monday.

According to the agreement, once the passport holders enter each other’s country, they can stay, depart and arrive without any visit permit for 90 days from their first date of arrival. The agreement is expected to help boost bilateral visits, transit visits and other activities between Nepal and Oman.

At a time when the Oman International Airport is developing as one of the busiest transits in the world, the agreement is also expected to ease visits by laborers and for various other activities. After the signing ceremony, both countries exchanged views on the facilitation of entry permits.

They also stressed on the need for the two countries to make the various dimensions of the bilateral relations more dynamic. Talks were also held on the need for creative and innovative activities to keep the economy afloat despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Similarly, discussions related to the promotion of bilateral investment, tourism and issues of mutual interest were also held.