The government of Nepal is preparing to amend the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2064 to ensure that individuals involved in human trafficking from outside the country can still be punished under Nepali law.
This amendment will make it clear that even if a person operates from outside Nepal, they will be held accountable if the crime involves Nepali citizens.
Minister for women, children, and senior citizens, navalkishore sah suddi, has registered a bill in the House of Representatives to amend the existing law. The proposed bill expands the current provision that the act applies to offenses committed against Nepali citizens even if committed abroad.
The new draft includes a specific clause stating that anyone involved in human trafficking from outside Nepal — whether targeting Nepali citizens or others — will be subject to legal action under Nepali law.
The bill explains that the change is needed because offenses like trafficking are often carried out across borders. If either a Nepali citizen commits the crime abroad or a foreign national targets a Nepali person, the law must apply equally in both cases.
Human trafficking is a global organized crime. The amendment aims to protect the dignity, freedom, and fundamental rights of those affected and to ensure that victims can access justice, said minister suddi.
