KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued a 15-day ultimatum to four long-absent employees found residing abroad on temporary/permanent residency permits or Diversity Visas (DV).

By law, civil servants are strictly prohibited from holding or applying for foreign residency, and must report to duty within 30 days of their leave expiring.

As they violated the Civil Service Act, the ministry has initiated legal proceedings to terminate their jobs and permanently disqualify them from future government service.

Minister Pratiba Rawal emphasized that surveillance has been increased to enforce discipline and accountability, adding that the ministry is actively tracking down other long-absent employees hidden abroad.