Russia has issued 135 percent more visas in 2023 than it did in the previous year, reaching a record number of visas issued to this nationality group. The reason for this spike can be related to the recruitment of Nepalis for the war in Ukraine, as the media has previously reported.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation data, 3,037 visas were issued to Nepalese citizens in 2023 – up from 1,289 in the previous year, marking a 135 percent increase in visas issued, VisaGuide.World reports.
The data shows that, formally, a total of 13,976 visas were issued by Russian authorities to Nepal between 2015 and 2023, with those issued in the last year accounting for 21.7 percent of the total number.
Thousands of Nepalis in Russia Lost or Returned Traumatised
According to an article published by CNN in February 2024, around 15,000 Nepali men have fought on behalf of Russia against Ukraine during the year, after the Russian government announced a package for foreign fighters to become Russian military troops.
By offering their military services to Russia, third-country nationals can obtain a Russian passport under a fast-track process and also earn $2,000 monthly.
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in Asia, with data from World Salaries revealing that the highest monthly salary in Nepal is around $270. In addition, the country’s passport is almost the weakest in the region, ranking 185th internationally and allowing visa-free entry for its holders to only ten countries.
The Nepali government confirmed that 200 of its citizens were fighting in the war in Ukraine in 2022 and 13 Nepalis were killed in the frontline.
However, former Foreign Minister in Nepal, Bimala Rai Paudyal had said that between 14,000 and 15,000 Nepalis were fighting for Russia in the war.
The Russian government must have the data on how many foreign fighters have joined the Russian army and how many Nepalis are fighting for Russia.
Kritu Bhandari, a politician based in Kathmandu is representing the interests of a group of family members of Nepali men fighting in Russia. Bhandari says that more than 2,000 families have contacted her to ask for help to get in touch with their sons.
In its war against Ukraine, Russia has recruited thousands of men from Africa, Cuba, Nepal and India.