By Smita Adhikari
Pokhara, July 14: There are some foreigners in Pokhara who have been lobbying for extending their visa until COVID-19 blows over. Recently, such international tourists have been busy organising gatherings while also knocking on the doors of concerned authorities to voice their demand. According to them, it is safer to stay at the same place than to leave and brave the arduous journey back to their home country.
On July 12, almost 100 foreigners congregated at the Pokhara Immigration Office to submit a 'Request Letter' demanding the authorities to let them stay in Nepal until it gets safe enough to travel without the fear of the pandemic. The letter was submitted to the Chief of Pokhara Immigration Office Pramila Gautam.
"For the sake of COVID security, we want the Nepal government to relax the existing provision and extend our tourist visas," said Frank Whitling, resident of New South Wales, Australia. He has been staying in Pokhara since January this year.
Whitling represents all the foreigners here who have been staying in Pokhara since the previous year’s lockdown. While remaining here they have been frequently extending their visa. Almost all of them have been involved in the job of their interest as well. "We have no problem paying for our accommodation. We have adjusted to life here and have come to respect the daily routine and lifestyle of the denizens,” added Whitling, who, over the course of his stay, has made several Nepali friends.
As per the rule of Nepal government, foreigners who come with tourist visas are allowed to extend their visas for no more than 90 days. But given the COVID-19 restrictions, the government has lengthened the duration to 210 days.
Foreigners are paying USD $3 per day to the government as the cost of staying here. Besides, they spend around Rs. 3000 rupees every day to cover their living expenses.
As per the Pokhara Immigration Office, most of the tourists will not be allowed to stay from July 29 this year. "We are crossing 210 days very soon. We are scared of our future prospects and worry over our health as we reflect upon travelling in such a crisis,” explained Linda Sarandes of California, USA, who arrived in Pokhara last February.