The Government of Nepal recognizes Nepal Children’s Organization (NCO) as the only official body to process adoption in Nepal. Although, both Nepali and foreign citizens are allowed to adopt from the NCO, the prioritization of foreign citizens over Nepali citizens in regards to adopting a child is a matter of serious discussion.
In conversation with Nepal News, Bidhya Neupane the director NCO says, “Even though Nepali citizens are free to apply for adoption, the selection process that application will go through is very strict, that is to ensure the wellbeing of the child they desire to adopt from us.”
“In NCO we provide children with good nutrition,
quality education and take care of their necessities, we want to make sure that those adopting a child from us can provide better a better life for them. Foreign donors are financially stable and the children they take from us will have higher chances of having a better quality of life under their guardianship,” she adds.
This has been an issue that many childless Nepali couples have to face. To adopt a child in Nepal is a long, arduous process which disappoints many genuine couples who seek to adopt a child and start a family. Many give up in disappointment. With greater
economic opportunities, Nepalis are more affluent and open to global influences. In the modern day transformation of outlook to life, values and evolving cultural practices, many couples would like to adopt a child but find the legal process and permissions very difficult to navigate.
