The United Nepali Diaspora Organization (UNDO) has called on the Nepalese government to adopt a more progressive stance regarding the rights of the diaspora community. While expressing gratitude to the government for the recent ordinance offering facilities to the diaspora, UNDO emphasized the need to further ensure that the constitutional rights of the diaspora are upheld without restrictions.

UNDO President Sonam Lama stated that the diaspora community should not face visa deadlines or barriers to enter Nepal. “We appreciate the government’s initiative in addressing the constitutional rights of the diaspora. However, we have serious concerns regarding the decade-long visa limitation. We urge that the Nepali diaspora should not face any visa deadlines when returning to their own country,” Lama asserted.

The recently issued ordinance includes provisions for Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) to obtain a free, 10-year visa. Additionally, NRNs are exempted from obtaining special permissions for investments in Nepal, a requirement for foreign citizens.

However, Lama criticized the visa provision, describing it as a constraint on the diaspora community’s ability to remain connected with their homeland. “The 10-year visa limit restricts the diaspora from fully embracing their connection to Nepal. They should be allowed unrestricted access to the country, enjoying all rights except for political rights, as specified by the constitution,” Lama remarked.

UNDO urged the government to encourage the diaspora community by granting them rights aligned with the constitution rather than imposing limitations.