Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal has highlighted the pivotal role of the Nepali diaspora in Australia in elevating bilateral relations to new heights. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Nepali Diaspora in Australia’ report—jointly organized by the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) and the Australian Embassy—Minister Khanal praised the community’s contributions toward strengthening ties between the two nations.
Addressing legal hurdles, Minister Khanal noted that while Nepal lacks dual citizenship provisions, the government is actively seeking ways to make Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship regulations more effective. He emphasized that efforts are underway to deepen engagement with the global diaspora within the existing legal framework.
Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, reinforced this sentiment, stating that the diaspora is much more than a source of remittances. He described the community as a vital global network that connects Nepal to the world while contributing significantly to Australia’s economic, social, and cultural fabric.
According to the report, the Nepali-origin population in Australia experienced a sharp increase, reaching an estimated 213,580 by June 2025. The survey revealed that 61.16% of participants migrated for higher education, with 45.27% earning between AUD 65,000 and 120,000 annually. Furthermore, nearly 35% have made formal investments in Australia.
Dr. Bishwas Gauchan, Executive Chairperson of IIDS, emphasized that remittances contribute over 30% to Nepal’s GDP, underscoring the urgent need to harness the diaspora’s intellectual and economic potential. Presenting the findings, Sneha Ghimire added that the community’s influence continues to expand through entrepreneurship, trade links, cultural exchange, and knowledge transfer, cementing their role as crucial ambassadors for Nepal.
