By Sundra Dunham
It seems that Omer is unable to catch a break. He has been in Kathmandu for over a month and is working diligently to attempt to obtain an exit permit to leave Nepal. The Department of Immigration in Nepal is now refusing to accept payment for overstay fines for onward travel. Nepal’s position is that it does not wish to become a transit hub for refugees. They are insisting that Omer pay the overstay fines and return directly to Pakistan (where he would face persecution). The UNHCR’s position is that this is a matter between Omer and the Department of Immigration and that they will not intervene in any way.
It goes without saying that Omer’s mental and physical health are suffering.
The Group of Five sponsors and Rocky Mountain Atheists are considering many options to help Omer, including hiring an immigration lawyer and asking our government to be involved.
We will keep you apprised of Omer’s situation and any action our members can take to help.
This does not look good. I hope we can proactively get the above-mentioned interventions for Omer.