PHNOM PENH, OCTOBER 29
In pursuit of better opportunities, Nepalis have gradually established a presence in Cambodia, filling roles from security guards to high-ranking executives like Chief Financial Officer at commercial banks.
Taking advantage of Cambodia's issuance of e-visas and visas on arrival for Nepali passport holders, Nepalis are thriving as entrepreneurs, security guards, bankers, chefs, and more across various sectors of the Cambodian economy.
According to Nepal's Department of Immigration, 16 Nepalis left for Cambodia for various purposes in August alone. Cambodia, a Southeast Asian nation bordering Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand, has become increasingly attractive to Nepalis seeking work and business opportunities.
Mann Bahadur Rana, owner of Gurkha Kitchen, a Nepali restaurant in central Phnom Penh, shared, "Nepalis are steadily establishing themselves here." He noted that there are now seven Nepali-owned restaurants in Cambodia, employing both locals and Nepalis. "People here are very similar to Nepalis-friendly, supportive, and welcoming. Favorable government policies for foreign investors have drawn people like us to live and work here," Rana added.
He estimated the Nepali community in Cambodia to be around 3,000, with many holding positions in sectors ranging from hospitality to international organizations.
Prominent Nepalis like Babu Ram Gyawali, Chief Financial Officer at ABA Bank since 2007, showcase the community's success. ABA Bank, Cambodia's largest commercial bank, is a subsidiary of Canada's National Bank.
"From entry-level positions to the top, Nepalis are employed in various roles, including with the United Nations and other international organizations, which brings us pride and garners respect from the government," Rana noted.
However, Rana expressed concerns about the reputation of the Nepali community being marred by individuals involved in scams, human trafficking, and drug-related offenses.
Shivraj Parajuli, Vice-Chair of Non-Resident Nepalis in Cambodia and a restaurant owner in Phnom Penh, observed a recent increase in the Nepali population. "Before COVID-19, I operated 10 restaurants; now, I'm down to three, with two leased to other Nepalis. I miss Nepal, but I travel home regularly to see my family, and during festivals, we celebrate together with other Nepalis here," he shared.
Similarly, Gyan Rana, Executive Sous Chef at the five-star Nagaworld Hotel, expressed gratitude for his long-standing career in Cambodia. "With hard work, dedication, and perseverance, I'm proud of what I've achieved. Cambodia feels like a second home to me," he said. Rana's journey began in India before joining his employer in Cambodia, where he has worked since 2012.
Manju Gurung, co-founder and stratigic advisor of Pourakhi Nepal, remarked on the natural migration trend, noting that people will seek livelihood opportunities abroad if they are lacking at home.
"Unfortunately, many young Nepalis are reluctant to stay in Nepal due to the lack of prospects. While migration has its challenges, it's essential to recognize the positive contributions Nepalis make abroad, not only sending remittances but also promoting our culture and preserving our language and traditions," she said.
Gurung urged the government to facilitate migration rather than restricting it, given Nepal's reliance on remittances.
Calls for a Nepal Consulate in Cambodia
Both Man Bahadur Rana and Shivraj Parajuli echoed the need for Nepal to establish an embassy or consulate in Cambodia to bolster tourism and trade between the two nations.
"Tourism officials from Nepal visit here, but their trips are often unproductive-they come to spend allocated budgets without meaningful results. A consulate would be instrumental in developing tourism links between Nepal and Cambodia," Parajuli stated.
Nepal and Cambodia have maintained cordial and friendly relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1975.
All the pictures of Phnom Penh were captured by journo Mausam Shah 'Nepali' for The Himalayan Times.
