KATHMANDU: Nearly 3,000 individuals have applied after the government, for the first time, opened the process for appointing ambassadors through open competition.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had invited applications through online submission, email, and physical application channels. According to the ministry, a large number of applications were received during the period.
Nepal currently maintains embassies in 34 countries. Of these, 17 ambassadors are appointed through political nomination, while the remaining are filled by career officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At present, ambassadorial posts in 17 countries are vacant.
The government had initially specified 13 countries for application, while also allowing candidates to apply by indicating other preferred countries.
Earlier, ambassadors appointed through political affiliation were recalled from 10 countries by the then Sushila Karki-led government. Later, when the Balendra Shah-led administration assumed office, those political appointees were removed from service.
This is the first time the government has invited applications through an open competitive process following the vacancy in ambassadorial positions.
According to ministry sources, some applicants submitted multiple applications, while others were nominated by third parties, which has contributed to the high number of submissions. The final verified figure will be published after validation and screening.
Once verification is completed, the ministry will conduct further assessment and forward a shortlist of eligible candidates to the Council of Ministers.
Candidates recommended by the cabinet will then undergo parliamentary hearings before final appointment by the President. After appointment, ambassadors will sign performance agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before assuming office.
The ministry has issued the call for applications in accordance with the “Guidelines on the Appointment of Ambassadors, 2075” (with amendments). As per the guidelines, applicants must be Nepali citizens, at least 35 years old, and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Additional requirements include a clean criminal record (with no conviction for corruption or moral turpitude), no possession of foreign permanent residency or green card, experience in foreign policy, international relations or diplomacy, and proficiency in English.
A master’s degree in international relations, political science, law, economics, or public administration is considered an added qualification.
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