Newly Elected NRNA Delegation Meets Nepal's Foreign Minister to Strengthen Diaspora Cooperation

A delegation from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), led by newly elected President Dr. Hemraj Sharma, paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation between the NRNA and the Government of Nepal to promote the welfare of the Nepali diaspora worldwide.

Speaking on behalf of the newly elected leadership, Dr. Sharma expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the Government of Nepal and praised the government's role in maintaining unity within the NRNA.

During the meeting, Minister Balananda Sharma congratulated the newly elected NRNA team and expressed happiness that the association successfully concluded the 12th International General Assembly and World Conference 2082 while remaining united. He also committed the ministry's continued support for NRNA initiatives.

Minister Sharma stated, "I have had the opportunity to work closely with the NRNA and to know NRNS and non-resident Nepalis up close. I am positive about the issues raised by the NRNA, and we will provide all possible assistance. I also suggest coordinating with the new members of parliament, and I am confident that the next government will also be positive about this. We will fully support the newly elected president who has come with a clear vision and mission."

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said, "We are happy that the NRNA has successfully concluded the 12th International General Assembly, and we are eager to cooperate in the coming days. We are also excited to see the Nepali diaspora expanding worldwide. The NRNA is a trusted partner of the Government of Nepal. The issue of non-resident Nepali citizenship will be resolved soon. Congratulations to the newly elected team."

During the meeting, President Dr. Hemraj Sharma handed over the report of the Middle East region meeting prepared by the NRNA to the ministry. This report contained detailed information on the status of Nepalis in that region, relief programs, and necessary actions.

He provided a brief update on the recently concluded ICC meetings, presenting discussions and decisions regarding the West Asia crisis. He also informed that NPR 10 million has been collected for the Foreign Employment Relief Fund to support Nepalis in distress. Mentioning that a 'White Paper' on the Nepali Diaspora is being prepared, he stated the goal is to strengthen relations with the diaspora, focusing on employment opportunities and non-resident Nepali citizenship.

Vice President Manoj Shrestha presented the main decisions of the meeting, informing that coordinated efforts are underway for the welfare of Nepalis in the Middle East.

Vice President Chintamani Sapkota raised the passport and immigration problems faced by Nepalis in Spain, while Yagya Narayan Poudel stated that immediate government assistance is required on these matters.

Vice President Ramsharan Simkhada drew attention to the problems related to police reports seen in Eastern Europe and the challenges faced by Gurkha soldiers abroad, demanding immediate intervention.

Key decisions from the Middle East Emergency Meeting include: operating relief and rescue programs for Nepalis in the Middle East; ensuring emergency food, accommodation, and health services; assisting Nepalis wishing to return home with tickets, visas, and chartered flights (in coordination with Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines); forming emergency task forces at the embassy level and reopening the Nepali Embassy in Dammam, Saudi Arabia; establishing and transparently managing an emergency fund; preventing misinformation and conducting awareness programs (including call centers and hotlines); security preparedness for Nepalis in sensitive countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, and Oman; management and repatriation of Nepalis who pass away abroad; and forming a 'Middle East Emergency Coordination Committee' involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NRNA, National Coordination Council, foreign employment-related associations, and other stakeholders.

Dr. Sharma urged the government to remain serious about the condition of more than 2 million Nepali workers in West Asia, stating that the NRNA is fully prepared to cooperate with the government during this sensitive time. He reiterated that non-resident Nepalis are committed to continuously contributing to Nepal's social and economic development.

The meeting, which was also attended by the Secretary, Joint Secretaries, and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further strengthened coordination and cooperation between the NRNA and the Ministry.

Senior Vice President Robin Prasad Sherchan, Vice Presidents, IES and OB members, ICC members, NCC chairpersons, and non-resident Nepalis from various countries were present at the program.