Former NRNA Chair Urges Government to Include Expatriate Issues in Governance Reform Agenda

Former Chairman of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), RK Sharma, has stated that the key concerns of Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) are missing from the 100-point 'Governance Reform' agenda unveiled by the government, urging its inclusion.

He emphasized that the government must focus on serious issues such as the implementation of Non-Resident Nepali citizenship, service delivery at Nepali embassies abroad, and the security of Nepali workers overseas.

Former Chairman Sharma noted that the government's 100-day governance reform agenda does not prioritize 'Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship,' which is considered the most significant issue for expatriate Nepalis. He said, "It is regrettable that the issue of citizenship, which should be made easier for Non-Resident Nepalis who are considered major partners in building a prosperous Nepal, is not included in this agenda."

Sharma also felt that the agenda failed to address the problems faced by workers employed abroad. According to him, there is a shortage of manpower at the embassies, and workers are unable to receive timely psychiatric services and legal consultation. He stressed that the government must formulate policies centered on the self-respect and security of the workers.

Sharma's view is that an environment must be created to utilize the knowledge, skills, and capital earned by Non-Resident Nepalis in Nepal's development.

Commenting that the governance reform framework presented by the government is incomplete without addressing the issues of Non-Resident Nepalis, Sharma urged the government to fully address the problems of the general Non-Resident Nepalis in future policy formulation and revise the action plan to protect their self-respect.

Furthermore, he urged for stricter enforcement regarding items unknowingly carried by Nepali workers from the Nepali airport that are later deemed illegal upon arrival in the destination country. "Strict screening arrangements must be made at the airport to control illegal items such as 'Bhange ko Achar' (Hemp Pickle)," he said.