NEIR Panic: Rush to Buy Cheap Phones Before December 16

Online Desk: The Mobile Handset Registration Process (NEIR) is set to officially launch in the country from December 16. The government is taking this strict measure to strengthen security in the telecommunications sector and curb the use of unregistered mobile phones. However, the government has assured that no phones purchased before this deadline will be deactivated.

Once this system is implemented, any mobile phone that is unregistered, stolen, smuggled, or imported without authorization will no longer remain active on the country’s mobile network.

Crowds in Markets: As the launch date for NEIR approaches, a rush of buyers has been observed in mobile markets. Fearing that the price of unregistered devices may increase or that their phones might be deactivated in the future, many people want to purchase their desired, low-cost phones before December 16. However, buyers complain that due to the high duties and VAT imposed in the country, official phones are going beyond the purchasing power of the general public.

Business Demands and Duty Controversy: On the other hand, businessmen have demanded the withdrawal of the existing “abnormal” duty of up to 57 percent on mobile phone imports. Their other demands include eliminating the syndicate system, reconsidering the NEIR system, and opening up mobile phone import opportunities for everyone.

Benefits for Expatriates and New Decisions: Recently, some important decisions were taken at a joint meeting of the NBR, the Ministry of Commerce, and the BTRC held at the Secretariat on December 1. According to the decision, expatriates who possess a BMET (Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training) registration card can bring a total of three mobile phones with them without paying duty. Simultaneously, a decision has been taken to completely stop the import of cloned mobiles, stolen or snatched phones, and refurbished mobiles into the country.

M.M./Sakalbela