KATHMANDU: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has welcomed the Nepal government’s decision to allow overseas Nepalis to participate in the country’s stock market but has also called for full and equal investment rights, similar to those enjoyed by resident Nepalis.
In a statement issued by General Secretary Baburam Lama on Thursday, the NRNA expressed appreciation for the government’s move to allow non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) to trade in the secondary securities market, as included in the fiscal year 2025/26 budget.
The association stated that this decision would help mobilize overseas capital in sectors such as banking, tourism, and hydropower.
However, the NRNA stressed that granting permission to trade in the stock market is only a partial step and called on the government to allow NRNs to invest in Nepal on par with citizens residing in the country.
“Non-resident Nepalis should be able to invest like any Nepali citizen without legal or regulatory discrimination,” the statement read.
The association also pointed out that key concerns, such as the implementation of non-resident Nepali citizenship, investment guarantees, and legal recognition of migrant workers’ contributions, remain unresolved.
While commending the budget’s positive provisions—such as protecting the interests of Nepalis abroad, utilizing their skills and capital for national development, and rescue mechanisms during crises—the NRNA said these alone are not enough.
The NRNA reiterated its readiness to cooperate with the government for effective implementation of these policies but urged the state to address the remaining legal and structural barriers to investment by non-resident Nepalis.
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