In a significant development, the Commission of Inquiry on Abuse of Authority in Nepal has officially removed all foreign travel restrictions imposed on KP Sharma Oli, the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) or CPN-UML. This decision clears the path for the former Prime Minister to travel abroad without any legal impediments from the anti-corruption body.
Commission Finds No Grounds for Restrictions
The commission, which is tasked with investigating corruption and abuse of authority, concluded its review of Oli's case. After a thorough examination, the investigative body determined that there was insufficient evidence or grounds to justify continuing the ban on Oli's overseas travel. The restrictions were initially put in place as part of a broader probe, but the commission has now deemed them unnecessary.
The formal decision to lift the ban was issued on Monday, April 14, 2025. This move effectively revokes the prior order that required Oli to seek permission from the commission before leaving the country. A spokesperson for the commission confirmed that the necessary official documentation has been processed and sent to the relevant authorities, including the Department of Immigration, to ensure the removal of Oli's name from the travel control list.
Implications for Oli and Nepalese Politics
This development holds considerable political weight in Nepal. KP Sharma Oli is a central figure in Nepalese politics and a former head of government. The lifting of the travel ban is seen as a major relief for him and his party, removing a cloud of legal scrutiny, at least concerning his freedom of movement. It allows him to engage in international diplomacy, attend global forums, and manage party affairs abroad without hindrance.
The commission's action underscores a key aspect of its functioning: restrictions are subject to review and can be lifted if the ongoing inquiry does not find compelling reasons to maintain them. This case highlights the procedural nature of such investigations, where measures are not necessarily permanent but are applied based on the evolving needs of the probe.
Next Steps and Official Process
With the commission's order now official, the administrative machinery has been set in motion. The Department of Immigration, which enforces travel bans at Nepal's international borders, will update its systems to reflect Oli's cleared status. This procedural step is crucial to prevent any inadvertent issues when he attempts to depart from the country.
The decision marks the end of this particular chapter of legal constraint for Oli. It allows the veteran politician to resume his activities on the international stage fully. The commission, meanwhile, continues its work on other investigations, operating within its mandate to probe allegations of authority misuse and corruption at high levels of Nepalese governance.
