Voice from Abroad: What Nepalis Expect from NRNA and Home

Ramesh Belbase

As a Nepali living abroad, I often look at how other countries support their people overseas and how their diaspora plays a role in national development. Whether it’s the Indian or Filipino communities, or the Chinese or Vietnamese diaspora — their governments and organisations have built strong connections with their citizens abroad. They protect their rights, help them in times of crisis, and guide them to contribute meaningfully to their home countries.

Unfortunately, many Nepalis abroad don’t feel the same kind of support. At the same time, Nepal — still struggling as an underdeveloped country — continues to face serious issues: unemployment, weak education, corruption, and unstable politics. This is where the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) could play a vital role — but too often, it falls short.

While the NRNA was founded with the intention to support the global Nepali community and help develop Nepal through diaspora engagement, in practice, it has struggled to live up to that mission. Many Nepalis abroad are facing extremely difficult situations — from workers in the Gulf countries being overworked and underpaid, to students abroad feeling isolated, overwhelmed by tuition costs, and lacking mental health or visa support. During emergencies, when help is needed the most, many feel there is no reliable system in place from NRNA or the Nepali government. This lack of response and structure deeply disappoints a community that sends billions in remittances back to Nepal each year.

At the same time, NRNA chapters in various countries are too often caught in internal disputes, leadership struggles, and personal rivalries. People fight hard to become leaders, yet once in power, many are more focused on appearances than service. They enjoy the title but contribute little of substance. If an organisation cannot maintain unity or clarity in purpose, it cannot effectively serve its people — let alone influence development back home. Leadership should not be about recognition but about responsibility and results.

Meanwhile, Nepal itself remains stuck in a cycle of slow progress. The political system has not changed in decades — the same politicians continue to rotate in power, clinging to outdated ideas and resisting innovation. Honest commerce is not encouraged, and youth with ideas or ambition are rarely supported. This has created a deep frustration across generations. Young people are leaving in large numbers, and if things remain unchanged, this brain drain will continue to hurt the country for decades to come. The basic foundations of development — quality education, accessible healthcare, fair employment, and innovation — are still weak. If these needs remain unmet, Nepal will keep falling behind while the rest of the world moves forward.

NRNA has the opportunity — and the responsibility — to help change this trajectory. The diaspora is full of capable individuals with global knowledge, skills, and resources. If organised and engaged meaningfully, they can help bring innovation to Nepal through ideas, investment, and experience. NRNA should focus on building systems that support migrants, students, and families in crisis. But beyond that, it should push for sustainable development in Nepal by advocating for better governance, transparency, and inclusive policies. The association should promote digital innovation, climate resilience, ethical business practices, and youth entrepreneurship. It should support sectors like green energy, sustainable agriculture, public health, and vocational education — areas where the diaspora can contribute directly and meaningfully.

Most importantly, NRNA must act as a platform for unity and vision — not internal power struggles. It must lead by example, showing Nepal that leadership can be accountable, forward-thinking, and service-driven. And it must help inspire change within Nepal’s leadership culture by amplifying the voices of young people, encouraging merit-based governance, and demanding progress, not just promises.

Nepalis abroad are ready to contribute — not just with money, but with ideas, skills, and energy. But for that to happen, we need leadership that listens and acts. We need an NRNA that is truly global in its mindset, inclusive in its approach, and committed to the future of Nepal. If we get this right, the diaspora can become a powerful force — not just for the wellbeing of Nepalis abroad, but for building the Nepal we all dream of: modern, just, innovative, and strong.