In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Nepali government is launching new initiatives aimed at providing identity cards to individuals and families of Nepali origin residing abroad, many of whom have lived outside Nepal for generations. This fresh policy is designed to create a more comprehensive framework for recognizing those with Nepali heritage who may not fit into the current category of Non-Resident Nepalis.
The Ministry of Law has set the wheels in motion to amend the Non-Resident Nepali Act of 2007, paving the way for these identity cards. Law Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya has emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing aspirations of the Nepali-speaking communities in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Fiji. These communities have been advocating for a way to maintain their connections to their heritage while promoting their dignified identity.
During the recently held Non-Resident Nepali Global Conclave in Kathmandu, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli highlighted the government’s supportive stance toward these individuals. “They seek recognition and a dignified life, wanting to embrace their Nepali heritage,” said Oli. His comments resonate keenly with many Nepalis living abroad, many of whom feel a disconnect despite their consistent efforts to preserve their culture.
The current law acknowledges Nepalis only if their families migrated abroad at least three generations ago, a point that has left many, like Kumar Karki—whose family migrated to Myanmar over a century ago—feeling unrecognized. Karki passionately remarked, “We have kept our language, customs, and traditions alive. We simply want the government to see us as part of the Nepali family.” His sentiment reflects the experiences of countless individuals and families who feel a significant part of Nepali identity but have not been formally acknowledged by the state.
Karki also pointed out that even as many have integrated into their new countries, they are still identified as Gurkhas or Nepalis on official documents. “This acknowledgment means the world to us,” he added, underlining their desire for recognition without additional demands for rights or citizenship.
With these developments, Nepal is poised to strengthen its ties with its global diaspora, a move that could enhance cultural exchange and integration, benefiting both Nepal and the communities abroad. As discussions progress, many hope that this initiative not only rectifies the long-neglected aspirations of the Nepali diaspora but also inspires other nations to consider the rights of their citizens abroad.
This move could potentially pave the way for a more connected and unified global Nepali community, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends borders.
Tags: #Nepal #WorldNews #Politics
