Former NRNA President Calls for Establishment of Separate 'NRNA Ministry' to Address Expatriate Issues

Kathmandu. Former Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) President Rabina Thapa has demanded the formation of a separate 'NRNA Ministry' to address the growing number of Nepalis living abroad and their problems.

Addressing the NRNA General Assembly, former President Thapa highlighted the need for a separate ministry to handle Non-Resident Nepali affairs with the new government to be formed by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is for the diplomacy of foreigners. There is a cumbersome process, even for small tasks, when Non-Resident Nepalis coordinate or come to Nepal," she said. "Looking at the crowds at the airport, the number of Nepalis going abroad seems to be increasing further. Therefore, my strong demand is that the next government should establish a separate NRNA Ministry."

During her address, Thapa emphasized the need to bring the knowledge, skills, and capital of Nepalis living abroad into Nepal to make the country prosperous. She stated that the skills learned and hard work done by the youth who were forced to go abroad due to a lack of opportunities in Nepal are also a great contribution to Nepal.

"Even though we are abroad, the first thing we check upon waking up is the news from Nepal; this is our Nepali identity, and we always love Nepal," she said.

Stating that Nepal has immense potential in the hydropower, agriculture, and tourism sectors, she mentioned that the country could be enriched not only by producing hydropower but also by exporting it. She clarified that NRNA is currently investing in Nepal's hotel and hydropower sectors and could bring in much more investment if the environment is suitable.

Furthermore, targeting the internal disputes and disagreements seen within the NRNA, former President Thapa reminded that the main objective of the organization is consensus and unity.

"I feel that many friends have been left out of the organization. Going by consensus wherever we go is the main objective of the organization," she said. "Efforts must be made again to bring back those friends who have been left out. It will be difficult to bring prosperity to the country unless Non-Resident Nepalis are united."