NRNA to hold knowledge convention in January 2027

Kathmandu, July 29

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has stepped up preparations for the 4^th NRNA Global Knowledge Convention 2027.

On Tuesday, it presented the event's concept paper to senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun and National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-Chair Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, while seeking closer collaboration to mobilise the expertise of the Nepali diaspora for national development.

The NRNA delegation said the convention, scheduled for January 2027 in cooperation with the government, aims to connect knowledge, skills, technology, research, innovation and investment from Nepalis living abroad with the country's development priorities.

During separate meetings, NRNA Vice-President and Head of the Skills, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Department Dr. Gyanendra Regmi said the convention would build on the 'Networking for Development' initiative launched in 2018. He said this edition would shift from discussion-based engagements to a solution-oriented model by incorporating recommendations from the previous three conventions into government planning and policy processes.

Dr. Regmi said the convention would focus on six thematic areas aligned with the priorities of the National Planning Commission.

According to the NRNA, the convention aims to bring together more than 300,000 Nepali experts, researchers, scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide with policymakers, government agencies, universities, research institutions and the private sector to promote knowledge transfer and international best practices.

Foreign Minister Khanal said the government was prepared to cooperate in organising the convention and remained committed to utilising the knowledge and experience of Nepalis living abroad for Nepal's development.

He also said the government was preparing legal amendments relating to property ownership, investment and visa provisions to facilitate greater participation by non-resident Nepalis in economic activities.

Likewise, Minister Pun said the government was preparing to revive the Brain Gain Centre and stressed the need to link the expertise of Nepali scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals abroad with national development. He said international collaboration in research and knowledge transfer would support innovation and a knowledge-based economy.

Similarly, Vice-Chair Dr. Bhatta said the commission was willing to work with the NRNA on governance, institutional strengthening, legal reforms and the adoption of international practices. He also identified digitalisation of the non-financial sector, higher education, transport infrastructure and tunnel road development outside the Kathmandu Valley as potential areas for cooperation.

NRNA Vice-President Rosina Pradhan Rai called for the implementation of provisions relating to non-resident Nepali citizenship and the amendment of the Non-Resident Nepali Act. She also urged the government to establish the NRN Development Fund and introduce policy measures to engage second-generation Nepalis in national development.

CEO of NRNA Development Fund Anal Raj Bhattarai said preparations to operationalise the development fund were underway, with one legal amendment remaining before its launch. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 July 2026.         

Nepali Roots Summit concludes in Munich

Kathmandu, June 5

The second Nepali Roots Summit 2026 has concluded in Munich, Germany, bringing together Nepali entrepreneurs, researchers, students and community leaders from across the country to strengthen professional networks and promote collaboration with Nepal.

The event was organised by Nepali Roots e.V., a community organisation established to connect Nepali professionals, academics, businesspeople and students living in Germany and Europe. The organisation said in a statement on Sunday that it aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, professional cooperation and long-term engagement between the Nepali diaspora and Nepal.

The summit brought together 96 participants from different German cities.

Acting Nepali Ambassador to Germany Sagar Prasad Phuyal said the government was placing greater emphasis on economic diplomacy alongside traditional diplomacy. He said the expertise, skills and international networks of the Nepali diaspora could contribute to sectors including tourism, trade, industry, energy, information technology, commerce and innovation.

Likewise, NRNA Germany President Lokmani Dhakal said closer cooperation between Nepali Roots and the organisation was necessary to address the priorities of younger generations and strengthen engagement within the diaspora.

Nepali Roots Secretary Jitendra Kasoudhan said the growing presence of Nepali professionals in leadership positions around the world highlighted the need for stronger networks and sustained cooperation in areas including research, technology, entrepreneurship and investment.

Discussions covered leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, clean energy and diaspora leadership. Speakers said stronger professional networks, mentorship and collaboration were needed to translate individual achievements into wider social and economic benefits.

Nepali Roots President Dr. Kritan Gautam said the role of the Nepali diaspora should extend beyond remittances to include contributions through research, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and global professional networks.

The summit also discussed policy measures to strengthen engagement with the diaspora, including remote voting, non-resident Nepali citizenship and the effective mobilisation of diaspora investment funds. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 July 2026.       

DoCS launches 'MoFA Mitra'

Kathmandu, May 26

The Department of Consular Services (DoCS), an agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officially launched MoFA Mitra mobile application to facilitate registering consular-related concerns and grievances.

The application enables Nepali citizens abroad and their families to register their consular related concerns and grievances online, and receive timely updates on their requests.

It will also help them to track the status of their requests and communicate directly with the Nepali missions concerned for the effective resolution of their issues, the MoFA informed in a statement.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal launched the app at a programme organised at the DoCS on Tuesday. The app is available on Android and iOS platforms.

Speaking on the occasion, FM Khanal said that consular assistance has become more important than ever, as millions of Nepalis are living outside the country and the trend of going abroad continues to rise.

He also highlighted the importance of leveraging digital technology to make consular services more accessible and effective.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 May 2026.  

Foreign Ministry puts diplomatic efforts to ensure fair hearing for Jha

Kathmandu, May 18

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed on Monday that continuous diplomatic efforts are being undertaken through all available channels to ensure a fair hearing for Amrit Jha, a Nepali citizen who was arrested in Iran on charges of illegal smuggling and transportation of goods in Qeshm Island.

According to the latest information received by the Ministry, the team formed to prepare the Expert Report in the case is in the process of submitting its report to the court.

The expert team was formed about a month ago, according to the direction issued by an Iranian court.

"As the case pending before the local Iranian court will be resolved in accordance with Iranian law, continuous diplomatic efforts are being undertaken through all available channels to ensure, among other things, a fair hearing for Jha," the MoFA informed in a statement.

Iranian authorities had arrested Nepali citizen Amrit Jha along with six other foreign nationals from Qeshm Island in January 2026, before the war broke out between Israel-USA and Iran. Currently, he is being held in custody for judicial remand in Bandar Abbas.

In the same statement, the MoFA expressed regret over the confusion and inconvenience caused by the public dissemination of informal information regarding Jha's release while the case remained under consideration in an Iranian court, while he was in custody.

This confusion was caused by information shared by Nepal's honorary consul for Iran Shahram Shantiaee, with Nepal's ambassador in Qatar Kumar Rai. Based on Shantiaee informed Rai on April 15 that a letter was issued for Jha's release, and he was free.

Ambassador Rai updated Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai about the developments on Jha's release, as the matter has been turned into a great public concern here in Nepal.

Considering the difficult situation prevailing there, the immediate public concern regarding the Nepali citizen, the enquiries made by media outlets, and the fact that the matter had already reached Jha’s family, the Ministry issued a press statement the same day stating that informal information had been received regarding the release.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal also shared the information through social media.

But when the MoFA instructed the Embassy of Nepal in Doha to obtain written evidence of his release so that the process of his repatriation to Nepal could be initiated, the mission received an update that Jha had not yet been released, but the court had directed the preparation of an Expert Report in relation to the case.

 

FM Khanal seeks diaspora support in development

Meanwhile, FM Khanal invited the Nepali diaspora community to remain actively engaged as partners in building a prosperous and inclusive Nepal.

Launching a report 'Nepali Diaspora in Australia' as an event organsied by the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) in Kathmandu on Monday, he said that the Nepali diaspora in Australia represents one of Nepal’s national strengths.

He noted that education remains a key pillar of Nepal-Australia relations and emphasised that they serve as an important soft-power bridge strengthening mutual goodwill, cultural understanding and multifaceted partnerships beyond remittance, the MoFA said in its post on X.

The programme was also attended by Australian Ambassador to Nepal Simon Ernst, Non-Resident Nepalis, the private sector and researchers. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 May 2026.

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.           

NRNA delegation discusses 12th convention with FM Sharma

Kathmandu, Jan. 10

In line with the broad unity agreement reached on 30 November 2025, the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has held a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Balanand Sharma to discuss preparations for the 12th General Convention and International Conference.

The convention is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from 23 to 25 February 2026.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), a delegation led by NRNA co-presidents Dr. Badri KC and Mahesh Shrestha met Foreign Minister Sharma. On the occasion, the minister advised that it would be appropriate to conduct the upcoming 12th General Convention of the NRNA in accordance with the association’s statute.

“There are many positive aspects to holding it physically in Nepal, and my preference is that it be organised here,” Minister Sharma said. “However, we must adhere to the prevailing rules and regulations. Therefore, it would be best to proceed as stipulated in your statute, because members who are unable to come to Nepal should not be deprived of their voting rights.”

Article 14 of the NRNA’s amended statute of 2003 (revised in 2022) states that the General Convention and General Assembly may be held either online or through physical presence. It further provides that arrangements must be made for representatives who are unable to attend physically to participate in the General Assembly and vote in elections through online means.

Meanwhile, the NRNA delegation requested FM Sharma to facilitate the formation of a main organising committee for the 12th General Convention. As per the existing provision, a high-level organising committee for the NRNA General Convention is to be formed under the chairmanship of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

On the occasion, co-president Shrestha informed the minister that the 12th General Convention is being organised particularly after the broad unity process, and that efforts are under way to further strengthen unity within the organisation.

He also pointed out the need for further joint refinement of the draft NRNA Act currently being prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the association.

Co-president Dr. KC urged the ministry to facilitate the full implementation of non-resident Nepali citizenship. He said that despite the issuance of non-resident Nepali citizenship certificates, delays in implementation have prevented holders from enjoying the economic, social and cultural rights guaranteed by the constitution. He noted that even after citizenship has been issued, various legal complexities have emerged in its practical use, highlighting the need for clear legislation to address these issues.

Former president Binod Kunwar also shared the difficulties faced due to the lack of effective implementation of non-resident Nepali citizenship.

In another context, the delegation also requested facilitation for the operation of the Nepal NRN Development Fund.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 January 2026. 

KU and an Australian institute agree for double degree programme in BIT

Kathmandu, Jan. 27

The School of Engineering at Kathmandu University of Nepal and the Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) of Australia have signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) on 26 January to launch a double degree programme in Bachelor of Information Technology.

The agreement provides the guidelines for the initiation and administration of the double degree programme in Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) as conceived by the Definitive Agreement signed between the two institutions on August 1, 2023.

The LoA outlines the fee structures and scholarships for student intake in 2024, informed Dr. Bal Krishna Bal, Programme Coordinator of Bachelor of Information Technology at the KU.

"The MoU aimed at establishing the way for a multifaceted partnership aimed at enhancing international cooperation in academia encompassing various collaborative initiatives, including Staff Exchanges, Student Exchange Programmes, and the Exchange of Academic Materials between the two esteemed institutions," said Dr. Bal.

Furthermore, the MoU also envisioned joint efforts to establish and implement innovative joint degree courses, demonstrating a commitment to shared academic pursuits.

The Definitive Agreement (DA) was also signed on the same day, outlining the commencement of a Double Degree Programme in Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT).

This unique academic collaboration allows for a maximum intake of 30 students per cycle, offering them a remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich academic environments of both KU and Australia within the dynamic field of information technology.

For the programme, the CIHE will be providing a discounted fee arrangement setting the tuition fee at AUS$ 7200 per semester, in contrast to the regular AUS$ 9000 per semester. KU, on the other hand, will be adopting the same fee structure for its Bachelor in Computer Science programme for the first two years study period.

The KU offers a comprehensive scholarship scheme, awarding100 per cent scholarship to the highest achiever, 50 per cent to the second highest, and 25 per cent to the third-highest performer in each semester, applicable to the tuition fees for the subsequent semester at KU. Similarly, the Crown Institute of Higher Education (CIHE) extends additional scholarship opportunities, providing a 15 per cent scholarship to students maintaining a High Distinction average and 10 per cent to those achieving a Distinction average while studying at CIHE.

Additionally, CIHE also grants 50 per cent tuition fee waiver to the student topping the batch during their studies at KU with the highest CGPA for three semesters.

If students choose to continue their studies in Nepal or face challenges securing an Australian visa, they have the flexibility to transition seamlessly to either the Bachelor of Computer Science or the Bachelor of Technology in Artificial Intelligence programmes at Kathmandu University. If 50 per cent or more of the students face such circumstances, the Department will provide a full-fledged BIT programme for the remaining two years, ensuring continuity in their academic journey and the possibility of graduating as a BIT graduate from Kathmandu University itself.

Registrar of the KU, Prof. Dr. Achyut Wagle, said that the collaboration was about creating alliance with foreign educational institutions. "Governments of both countries are positive about this collaboration. Australian ambassador to Nepal was present during the agreement signing programme," he said. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 January 2024.     

Dr. Mahat urges Nepalis in Vancouver to bring their skills, technology to Nepal

 Kathmandu, Aug. 27

Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat urged the Nepali community in Vancouver, Canada, to use the skills, technology, experience and capital learned abroad for the development of Nepal.

He has made such a request while discussing and interacting with the Nepali community in Vancouver the other day, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) informed in a statement on Sunday.

Minister Dr. Mahat said that an investment-friendly environment is being created in Nepal and sectors such as energy, tourism, information technology and agricultural enterprises are attractive for investment.

Likewise, he urged the Nepali diaspora to help in solving the shortage of expert manpower in Nepal. At the same time, he informed that Nepali students who reach Canada for higher education go there without sufficient information and face various problems.

Finance Minister Dr. Mahat is in Canada to participate in the 7^th World Conference of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). He had reached there on August 20 and is scheduled to return home on Monday evening.

Earlier, on Friday, a plenary session of the 7^th World Conference of the GEF elected him vice-president of the world body.

Likewise, while addressing the assembly meeting of the World Wildlife Fund, he said that Nepal has expanded the total land covered by forests to 45 per cent, and has flowed clean oxygen for the entire human community.

He also said that Nepal is making sincere efforts to protect biological diversity, as well as protecting rare and endangered wild animals and species.

Similarly, FM Dr. Mahat drew the attention of the world delegation gathered in Vancouver to the fact that Nepal's temperature is expected to increase by 0.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius by 2030 and that more than 50 billion US dollars of investment is needed by 2050 to deal with its effects and impacts. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 August 2023. 

NRNA urges govt to pass Citizenship Bill soon

 Kathmandu, Aug. 21

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has drawn the attention of Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Gyanendra Bahadur Karki regarding the citizenship bill which is pending at the Federal Parliament for the last two years.

A delegation of the NRNA led by its President Kumar Pant met the Minister in the presence of the members of National Assembly and House of Representatives to urge him to facilitate in getting the bill passed from the house at the earliest.

Drawing the attention of the government behind the delay in passing the instrumental law, Pant said that the ending of the session of the parliament without passing the citizenship bill has affected the amendment of NRNA Act as well.

Resource person of the NRNA on the continuation of citizenship, Saroj Dahal, had updated the meeting about the progress made in terms of providing citizenship to the non-resident Nepalis.

Chief Executive Officer of the NRNA Development Fund, Anal Raj Bhattarai, said that if the government addressed the issues and promoted investment from NRNs in Nepal, the fund could increase to Rs. 50 billion.

Currently, the size of the fund is Rs. 10 billion. The fund is formally registered at the Company Registrar’s Office in Nepal.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Karki said that there were no problems in citizenship bill in terms of NRNs. According to him, the bill will be passed at the earliest as the government was liberal towards the Nepalis residing in foreign land.

“I will take initiation to address the demands of the NRNs as per the constitutional provisions and would make policy reforms to facilitate you,” he said to the delegation.

Attorney General Khamma Bahadur Khati said that the government should take liberal stance to the NRNs considering their contribution to the motherland.

Chairman of Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee of the Parliament, Laxman Lal Karna, urged the government to address the demands of the NRNs stating that there was consensus on citizenship bill.

Member of the National Assembly, Radheshyam Adhikari, stated that the country should adopt open policy vis-à-vis Nepalis in foreign land in order to stop the brain drain and capital flight. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 22 August 2021. 

Foreign Minister to lead NRNA convention organising committee

Kathmandu, Aug 20

A high-level organising committee is formed in the leadership of the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the organisation of the 10^th World Convention of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) which is slated for 23-25 October 2021 in Kathmandu.

However, the government is yet to have the Foreign Affairs Minister.

The organising committee will have a member of the National Planning Commission, Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Foreign Secretary, secretaries of other ministries, and high officials from Investment Board of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, NRNA and other concerned agencies.

Issuing a statement on Friday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the government has accorded high priority to mobilising knowledge, skill, capital, technology, network and access of Nepalis residing in foreign countries in socio-economic development in Nepal.

The world convention is organised every two years and the last convention was organised in Kathmandu in October 2019.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 August 2021. 

Tales of Nepalis in Myanmar, Thailand

Kathmandu, Apr. 4: Chairperson of Thai Nepali Association (TNA) Kumar Karki has come up with an autobiography of his life ‘Jeevan Shangharsh’ (Life Struggle).

He says it is the story of his life and experiences in the birthplace, workplace and ancestral place. But the book happens to be a history of the Nepalis in Myanmar and Thailand as he recounts tales of Nepalis in Burma and Thailand, their mobility in the country and progress.

It tries to explain the migration of Nepalis to Burma, their livelihood and preservation óf their culture without any direct connection with Nepal.

There are approximately 300,000 people of Nepali origin in Myanmar and 100,000 in Thailand.

‘Jeevan Sangharsh’ covers the contribution made by people of Nepali origin and their organisations in preserving the Nepali identity.

“We remain Nepalis as long as our language and culture are conserved… this association has been doing exemplary work in the Nepali language, culture and identity conservation,” said Karki at a programme organised to unveil his book.

Culture expert Satya Mohan Joshi, film superstar Rajesh Hamal, Prof. Ram Krishna Regmi, actress Bhuwan Chand, Chintamani Yogi and others jointly unveiled the book.  

Joshi said that the book was an enlightening cultural account of the struggle of the Nepali diaspora.

“It will contribute to rejuvenating the Nepali language, culture and civilisation in Myanmar and Thailand. We are Nepalis anywhere in the world, without any distinction: the book carries this view,” he said.

According to Prof. Regmi, the book is a bridge between Nepal and the Nepali diaspora. It is not only a book of Karki’s story but also a description of the Nepalis outside the country.

Superstar Hamal said that the book was a must read by all Nepalis all over the world to know what it means to be a Nepali.

Karki, on behalf of the TNA, led community-relief works in the immediate aftermath of the devastating Gorkha Earthquake 2015 and rebuilding of 46 houses in Majhi Gaun near Melamchi in Sindhupalchowk. He has been honoured with the Social Work Award by the President of Nepal.

He also handed a cheque of Rs. 500,000 to the Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation on the occasion.

The book, which has already been released in Myanmar and Thailand, is edited by Ramesh Khadka and published by Media Services Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 April 2018.