Tourism Info Nepal

Nepali Groups Hail Airfare Cut to South Korea

Nepali Groups Hail Airfare Cut to South Korea

Nepali organizations active in South Korea have expressed their gratitude for the recent decision to reduce airfare between Nepal and South Korea. These groups have commended the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, and other leaders for their efforts in addressing the issue.

In a statement released by the Nepali People’s Contact Committee (NPCC), South Korea, the organization highlighted the challenges faced by Nepalis due to exorbitant airfare caused by intermediaries. The statement expressed appreciation for the initiatives taken by Tourism Minister Pandey and Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, which have significantly reduced airfare.

According to the statement shared on social media, the airfare, which previously soared to NPR 125,000, has now been reduced to as low as NPR 54,000. The reduction has provided substantial relief to Nepali workers traveling to South Korea. The NPCC credited the collective efforts of various Nepali organizations, Non-Resident Nepali Associations (NRNAs), and provincial societies for their advocacy, which prompted government action.

The NPCC extended its heartfelt gratitude to key stakeholders, including General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, and other relevant authorities. It praised their coordinated efforts with ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Labor, Nepal Airlines, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

The airfare issue had been a key focus of the NPCC’s advocacy. During a large-scale interaction program on July 28, 2024, the committee highlighted the plight of Nepali workers burdened by high airfare. General Secretary Thapa committed to resolving the issue, raising it in Parliament on August 13 and urging authorities to take action.

Furthermore, the statement recalled a meeting on October 21, 2024, where NPCC President Bhajindra Bahadur Kshetri met with General Secretary Thapa at his residence to reinforce the urgency of the matter. Representatives from Nepali organizations in South Korea met with Minister Pandey on October 22, resulting in decisive steps to address the problem.

The NPCC noted that collaboration among ministries, Nepal Airlines, and the Civil Aviation Authority was key to the successful reduction in airfare. The move has been widely welcomed as a milestone in easing the financial burden on Nepalis traveling to South Korea.

This development reflects the effectiveness of joint advocacy and the commitment of Nepali leaders and organizations to address the concerns of the diaspora. The NPCC and other organizations have called for sustained efforts to prevent exploitation by intermediaries and ensure affordable airfare for all.

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