Visit Visa Fraud and Information Gaps in Nepal: The Kamko App

Many Nepalis planning to travel abroad face the risk of visit visa fraud and other foreign employment–related scams. Such cases are reported from time to time. A lack of clear understanding about travel procedures and how to check whether a visa is genuine has contributed to people being deceived. In Nepal, some visa-related investigations have also extended to the immigration system.
In many countries, official visa verification websites are available only in English. Finding the correct government website and understanding the verification process is not easy for everyone. Because the process often appears complex, many people do not try to verify visas on their own.
Against this background, a mobile application was launched in February 2025 with the involvement of journalist Roshan Shrestha. The application was initially published on the Play Store under his name and was later renamed Kamko.
The Kamko app currently provides visa verification–related information for around 19 countries that Nepalis commonly travel to. The app includes direct links to official government visa websites of those countries. It explains how to check visas in simple Nepali language through text and video. Basic contact details of Nepali embassies in those countries are also included.
Social context
For people from rural areas or those with limited knowledge of foreign travel procedures, searching for and understanding official government websites can be difficult. By placing relevant links and information in one place, the Kamko app appears to aim to make access to such information easier.
According to information shown on the Play Store, the app has been downloaded more than 100,000 times. However, no independent study or official data is available on how much the app has helped to reduce fraud cases.
Limitations and challenges
The Kamko app does not cover visa information for all countries. At present, it focuses on 19 countries, while Nepalis also travel to many other destinations for employment. As a result, the app may not be useful for all users.
The visa verification links provided in the app lead to official government websites of the respective countries. Since the structure and procedures of these websites may change over time, keeping the information updated can be challenging. Final visa verification must still be completed through the relevant government authorities.
Another challenge relates to the long-term operation of the app. Kamko follows a free service model. Its development, server maintenance, and content management are expected to rely on donations or personal resources, which may pose sustainability challenges over time.
Background
The Kamko app was developed by Roshan Shrestha. He is from Bahrabise, Sindhupalchok district. He works in journalism and runs Khoj Samachar. His reporting often looks at local government matters, spending issues, transparency concerns, corruption cases, and digital literacy.
In the context of visit visa fraud and foreign employment scams being serious issues in Nepal, the Kamko app represents a mobile application that provides visa-related information. However, its impact and long-term sustainability remain subjects for further evaluation.

















