KATHMANDU: The German identity solutions provider Veridos, which holds the contract for passport personalization and printing, has formally informed the Government of Nepal that it is fully prepared to begin printing new passports for Nepali citizens under the new system from July 15, as previously agreed.

In a written communication to the ministry of foreign affairs, Veridos GmbH stated that it has completed all necessary preparations to start production on schedule. The company also emphasized that it requires certain remaining tasks-previously agreed to be handled by Nepal’s Department of Passports-to be completed in time to ensure a smooth transition to live passport printing.

According to the letter, Veridos has already printed and stored 550,000 new passport booklets in lockers at the Nepal’s Department of Passports. However, it noted that several responsibilities on the Nepal government side remain unfinished and urged authorities to complete them without delay.

The company attached a detailed list of pending tasks that the Department of Passports must fulfill before the July 15 launch date, when live passport printing is expected to begin for Nepali citizens under the new system. Department of Passports, Nepal has been requested to ensure that all preparatory work is completed on time to avoid disruptions in service.

Veridos also requested unrestricted access for its subcontractors, engineers, and technical staff to all work sites involved in the project. In addition, the company specifically sought formal guarantees for the safety and security of its engineers and field personnel while they are working in Nepal.

The letter stressed that the Department of Passports must officially ensure the protection and security of all technical and operational staff deployed under the project.