Non Resident Nepali Association


The Non Resident Nepali Association is an association of Non Resident Nepalis.

Initial thrust of NRNA

The initial impetus of the NRNA was provided by the convergence of the aspirations of various groups in the Diaspora Nepali community. Perhaps, the foremost was a business interest of the members of the Diaspora to invest in Nepal and obtain export, import, tariff, repatriation and other trade related benefits from the Government of Nepal. Similarly, the interest for possible technical cooperation and exchange was also paramount, especially among the Nepali professionals living in foreign countries. The possibility of obtaining dual citizenship with Nepal, and enjoying easy travel facilities to visit Nepal were also high in the eyes of many Nepali Diaspora members. Equally important for the expatriate Nepalis was the need for emotional attachment to the motherland, networking among the Diaspora Nepali community and an altruistic sense of supporting Nepal's effort for a rapid economic development. Still another motivation was to connect the worldwide Diaspora into a single thread, and help each other in the Diaspora community. Thus, NRNA was born as a confluence of so many different aspirations and interests and the wishes of the Diaspora Nepali community.
In the formative years, the NRNA focused on getting a NRN bill passed by the Government of Nepal, getting a simplified visa regime for the foreign citizens of Nepali origin while visiting Nepal, and getting business-friendly policies to support the investment of expatriate Nepalis in Nepal. Eventually, realizing the dream of getting a dual citizenship in Nepal has remained a cherished goal of the NRNA. Equally important objective of the association is to support in the economic development of Nepal by charitable projects, through job-creating investments, and by lobbying in international capitals on behalf of Nepal. The Open University of Nepal Initiative, the Nepal Library Foundation, the Senior Living Quarters in Chitawan and several other projects are some examples of this kind of programs. For the professional and academic groups in North American, Europe, and Oceania particularly, offering knowledge and technical expertise through NRNA has remained an important goal. Further, the NRNA as a whole has always remained sensitive to the need of the Nepali workers abroad and has vocally called for making the lives better.

Organizational structure

The General Assembly of the Registered Members convened during the Biennial Global Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal is the main body that is responsible for NRNA Charter and the governance of the organization. The organizational structure of the NRNA as constituted by its Charter comprises the International Coordination Council with its Secretariat based in Kathmandu and the National Coordination Councils formed in any country around the world with the exception of the countries of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation. Regional conferences are held in different regions around the world, especially in the year when the Global Conference is not held or as may be decided based on the needs by the ICC meetings. ICC meetings are held during the NRN Global Conference, NRN Regional Conference and periodic meetings held by cyber teleconference from time to time to discuss issues and make decisions. The ICC is supported by some Task Force groups of NRNs that report to the ICC through their respective chairs.

Membership of the NRNA

The NRNA Charter has provision for the following membership categories:
1. General Member:
Any Nepali residing in any foreign country except the SAARC nations for more than 182 days in a year or the people of Nepali origin possessing any other nationalities with the exception of SAARC countries.
2. Registered Member:
Any general member registered with a National Coordination Council or registered with the International Coordination Council in case of any country where there is no NCC, by paying pre-determined membership fee.
3. Associate Member;
Non-Nepali individuals or institutions interested in helping and promoting Nepal.
4. Honorary Member:
A person with recognized contributions to the NRN movement can be conferred as the honorary member by the ICC.

International Coordination Council

is the highest global representative executive body of the NRNA and provides overall guidance and directives to the executive committee. Each NCC nominates its members, in a number as prescribed by the NRNA Charter and its regulations, to represent itself to the ICC. ICC also includes additional members co-opted by the ICC through its meetings. The Biennial Global NRN Conference elects the ICC Executive Committee which consists of the President, Vice-Presidents, General Secretary, Secretary, Treasurer, Regional Coordinators, Deputy Regional Coordinators, Women Coordinator and Deputy Women Coordinator. Apart from the elected executives, Spokesperson, Youth Coordinator and Deputy Youth Coordinator are nominated by the ICC. To seek advice on various issues of the NRNs, the ICC also nominates a number of recognized individuals as ICC Advisors.
Dr. Upendra Mahato was the first president of the ICC.
Mr. Dev Man Hirachan was the president of the ICC.
Mr. Jiba Lamichhane was the president of the ICC
Mr. Shesh Ghale is a past president of the ICC.
Mr. Bhaban Bhatta is a past president of the ICC

Current Office Bearers

  1. President: Kumar Panta
  2. Vice President: Badri KC
  3. Vice President: Man KC
  4. Vice President: Sonam Lama
  5. Vice President: Arjun Shrestha
  6. Vice President: Rabina Thapa
  7. Secretary General: Hem Raj Sharma
  8. Secretary: Gauri Raj Joshi
  9. Secretary: RK Sharma
  10. Treasurer: Mahesh Kumar Shrestha
  11. Joint Treasure: Lok Prasad Dahal
  12. Women Coordinator:Bhoma Devi Limbu
  13. Youth Coordinator:Himal Gurung

    National Coordination Councils

The National Coordination Councils serve as the NRNA organization's global network of its chapters, which are currently established in 60 countries around the world. NRNs residing in any country with the exception of SAARC countries can establish a NCC of the NRNA if they number more than ten. Most of the NCCs are independently registered as the national organizations of Nepali Diaspora with the respective Governments in the countries of their residence.

Functions

The NRNA carries out various activities to serve the interests of Nepali Diaspora as its constituents in the following areas:
1. Organizes global and regional conferences and interaction programs for itfos stakeholders.
2. Facilitates strong networking among the NRNs, resident Nepalis and Nepali organizations worldwide.
3. Liaise with the National Coordination Councils, Nepali associations abroad, government and international organizations.
4. Acts as a forum for the promotion and protection of the interests of the NRN community both in Nepal and abroad.
----