Home Minister Orders Immigration Staff To Wear Dhaka Topi At TIA

Home Minister Sudan Gurung has directed immigration officers at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to wear the traditional Dhaka Topi during office hours following a late-night inspection of the airport on Friday. The instruction was issued to reinforce Nepal's cultural identity, create a positive first impression for international visitors, and encourage immigration staff to provide courteous, disciplined, and efficient service. During the visit, the minister also reviewed passenger services and operational standards after repeated public concerns over airport management and the travel experience.

The Home Minister said immigration officers are often the first government representatives that foreign travellers meet upon arriving in Nepal. Because of this, he stressed that their appearance, conduct, and interaction with passengers should reflect the country's hospitality, professionalism, and respect for its cultural heritage. Alongside wearing the Dhaka Topi, staff have been instructed to maintain polite behaviour and deliver faster, more people-friendly services.

The directive also supports the government's broader policy of promoting domestically produced goods in public institutions. Under the 2081 Guidelines on the Use of Domestic Products in Public Offices, government agencies are encouraged to prioritise Nepali-made products whenever possible, including clothing worn by public employees and official gifts distributed by state bodies. Officials say the latest instruction reflects that policy while highlighting Nepal's traditional identity at one of the country's busiest international entry points.