Conduct the 12th NRNA Convention according to the Bylaws: Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) met with Honorable Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma to discuss preparations for the 12th General Convention and International Conference. Following a major unity agreement reached on November 30, 2025, the convention is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from February 23-25, 2026.

During the meeting with a delegation led by NRNA Presidents Dr. Badri KC and Mahesh Shrestha, Foreign Minister Sharma suggested that the upcoming convention should be conducted according to the association's bylaws.

"There are many positive aspects to holding it physically in Nepal, so it is my wish that you do it here," Minister Sharma said. "However, we must follow rules and laws. Therefore, it is best to do whatever your bylaws say, because members who cannot come to Nepal should not be deprived of their right to vote."

Article 14 of the association’s 2003 (2022) amended bylaws states: "The General Convention and General Assembly can be held online or in person. For delegates who cannot be physically present, arrangements must be made to participate in the assembly and vote in elections through online means."

Meanwhile, the NRNA delegation requested the Foreign Minister to form a main organizing committee for the 12th convention. There is a provision for the Nepal Government to form a high-level organizing committee for the NRNA convention under the chairmanship of the Foreign Minister.

During the meeting, President Mahesh Shrestha informed that the 12th convention is being organized specifically after a broad unity agreement, and they are working to strengthen that unity. He also pointed out the need for the Ministry and the Association to work together to further improve the draft NRNA Act currently being prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Dr. KC requested necessary facilitation to ensure the full implementation of Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship. He mentioned that even though NRN citizenships have been issued, delays in implementation have prevented people from enjoying the economic, social, and cultural rights provided by the constitution. He emphasized that the Ministry should help create clear laws to resolve legal difficulties.

He said, "It is sad that even though thousands have received citizenship, there is still legal confusion regarding its use. The Ministry’s active role is necessary to create laws that put this into practice."

On that occasion, former President Binod Kunwar shared information about the difficulties faced due to the lack of citizenship implementation. Similarly, former President R.K. Sharma mentioned various problems faced by Nepali workers during foreign employment and requested the appointment of legal experts at Nepali embassies in destination countries.

Female Vice-President Rozina Pradhan Rai pointed out the need for the government to create and implement special policies to solve problems faced by women living abroad.

In a different context, the delegation also requested facilitation for the operation of the Nepal NRN Development Fund.

Treasurer Thakur Prasad Dhungana, Women’s Coordinator Rashmi Thapa, and CEO Rajendra Kumar Raut were also present at the meeting.