NRNA welcomes govt policies and programmes

Kathmandu, May 13

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has said that the high priority accorded to the NRNs in the government's Policies and Programmes for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026/27 is an 'extremely positive step'.

"It is a welcome move for the state to formally acknowledge the sentiments, contributions, and potential of millions of Nepalis who are establishing their identity through hard work, knowledge, skills and ability in various countries across the world, and to express a clear commitment to integrating them into the mainstream of national development," it said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the NRNA, the announcement to establish a 'Diaspora Expert Network' and a 'Knowledge Bank', alongside the government's vision to link the capital, skills, experience, technology, and international networks of Nepalis abroad with Nepal's social and economic development, has enhanced new hope and trust.

"Today, Nepalis across the globe are not merely sources of remittances, they are distinct carriers of knowledge, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, international reach, and global experience," read the statement, while adding that the Policies and Programmes presented a solid and positive roadmap for utilising global expertise and experience in the national interest.

The NRNA also expressed optimism that programmes such as capital market reform, securities regulation, restructuring of NEPSE and clearing systems, institutional investment expansion, infrastructure bonds, and the development of the debt and bond markets will create an investment-friendly environment in Nepal.

"It will also prepare the foundation for long-term economic stability and transformation. We believe that the government's commitment to making the investments of non-resident Nepalis safe, transparent and easy, will further inspire migrant Nepalis to expand their investments in Nepal," said the NRNA.

It further said that the issue of further strengthening policy and legal arrangements related to the citizenship, financial access, investment security, and democratic rights of non-resident Nepalis is also an important one.

While stating that it is a positive achievement that most of the issues raised by Nepalis living abroad for years have been included in the Policies and Programmes, it reiterated commitment to a more organised partnership in the journey towards national prosperity, and serving as a bridge for foreign investment and technology.

In the Policies and Programmes for the next year, the government announced to provide 'Nepal Investment Visa' to investors making investments above the threshold set by the government.

Documentation of the skills of youths returning from foreign employment through a 'Skills Passport' and providing international professional certification, operation of 'Remittance-Investment Matching Fund' to channel remittances from consumption into productive investment, and creating legal basis for remote work policy have also been announced in the Policies and Programmes.

The government has also announced a 24/7 Central Response Unit, to ensure the safety and protection of the rights of Nepalis living abroad, will be established and operated under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with rapid rescue teams at diplomatic missions. Likewise, passport and consular services provided by Nepali missions abroad will be strengthened.

Similarly, individuals returning from foreign employment will be encouraged to engage in agricultural enterprises.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 May 2026.