KATHMANDU, MAY 20
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, asserted that the Nepali Diaspora in Australia has played an important role in elevating Nepal-Australia relations to greater heights.
Minister Khanal made the remarks at the launch of a report titled 'Nepali Diaspora in Australia', jointly organized by the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) and the Australian Embassy in Nepal here today. Khanal noted the key contributions of the Nepali diaspora in Australia in further strengthening the bilateral relations.
The Minister stated that the government of Nepal is considering ways to make provisions related to the Non-Resident Nepali citizenship more effective. He also noted legal challenges due to Nepal's lack of dual citizenship provision. He added that efforts are being made to strengthen relations with the diaspora within the existing legal framework.
Likewise, Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, highlighted that the Nepali diaspora is not only a source of remittances but also an important global network connecting Nepal to the world, contributing economically, socially and culturally in Australia. The report shows that the Nepali-origin population in Australia reached an estimated 213,580 by June 2025, a sharp rise since 2021.
Among survey participants, 61.16% moved to Australia for higher education, while 45.27% earn between AUD 65,000 and 120,000 annually. Around 34.99% reported making formal investments in Australia. Dr Bishwas Gauchan, Executive Chairperson of IIDS, noted that remittances account for over 30% of Nepal's GDP, stressing the need to better harness the diaspora's economic and intellectual contributions.
Presenting the survey's findings, Sneha Ghimire observed the diaspora's role extends beyond remittances to investment, entrepreneurship, trade links, cultural exchange and knowledge transfer, which continue to grow.
