TN 46 (01-17)

A. Evaluating evidence from Nepal

Vital statistics records (e.g. birth, death, marriage, and divorce) and other evidence (e.g. passports and educational certificates) from Nepal are not reliable. People may easily obtain genuine records by submitting fraudulent documents or by giving false testimony to government officials. Since corruption is widespread in Nepal, the factual value of any document issued by any Nepalese authority is suspect.

B. Policy for accepting evidence from Nepal

Do not accept evidence from Nepal at face value.

C. Procedure for developing evidence from Nepal

1. Obtaining evidence of age for people born in Nepal

If the claimant lives in the United States, develop for convincing evidence of age as explained in GN 00302.115, GN 00302.118, and GN 00302.125.

If the claimant resides outside the United States, develop for other evidence to prove age as explained in GN 00307.150C.2.

2. Obtaining other evidence outside Nepal

Do not ask the claimant to submit evidence from Nepal. Develop for secondary non-Nepalese evidence or other non-Nepalese evidence. Obtain evidence issued at least five years before the claimant first filed for benefits. If the event occurred less than five years before the claimant first filed for benefits, obtain evidence issued as close to the event date as possible.

NOTE: The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) or Foreign Service Post (FSP) is unable to verify the authenticity of evidence from Nepal. See GN 01010.410B.5.b. when evidence is not available.