Nepal has initiated a significant probe following the discovery of foreign citizens teaching the Quran to teenagers without valid work permits. Authorities conducted raids on hostels in Lalitpur associated with the Himalaya Education and Welfare Society, uncovering that children, primarily orphans and those from impoverished families in districts such as Kapilvastu, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Banke, and Dang, were being housed and exclusively taught religious studies. Notably, the Nepali national curriculum was not part of their education.

The investigation revealed that the institution receives approximately NPR 25 million annually from foreign entities, including Turkey-based organizations like Saha International. Several teachers from Indonesia were found to be operating on tourist visas, a clear violation of Nepal’s immigration laws.

Concerns have been raised about Turkey’s increasing efforts to expand its religious influence globally since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rise to power in 2014. Experts point to similar activities in other countries that have been associated with extremist networks. In response, Nepal is exploring stricter regulations to oversee foreign funding and the operations of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Security analysts emphasize the need for vigilance to ensure that humanitarian aid, particularly under the guise of religious initiatives, is not exploited to advance undesirable agendas. The government’s actions signal a broader commitment to safeguarding national interests while addressing potential misuse of foreign influence in educational and religious settings.