Nepal's constitution currently makes no provision for dual citizenship, making it a legislative wall, not just a policy gap, according to a minister.
Addressing a report ‘Nepali Diaspora in Australia’ launch program in Kathmandu, Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal shared that the government is, however, discussing on possible alternatives for a short term.
“NRN citizenship could be a viable avenue worth pursuing,” he said, signaling that the ministry is actively working to identify what can be unlocked within the existing legal framework.
Citing example of India, where Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can buy agriculture land, he floated an idea that Nepal could also let Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) buy agriculture lands albeit in mountains, not in urban areas. “But this is only an idea.”
The report reveals that 73.04 percent of respondents believe dual citizenship would strengthen their Nepali identity and sense of belonging, while 66.39 percent identify dual citizenship as a major policy measure that would encourage more investment in Nepal.
Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS), in collaboration with the Australian Embassy in Nepal, has launched the report ‘Nepali Diaspora in Australia’, where policymakers, diplomatic representatives, diaspora leaders, academics, private sector representatives, development partners, and other stakeholders discussed the growing role of the Nepali diaspora in strengthening Nepal Australia relations.
After the report launch, Australian ambassador to Nepal Simon Ernst offered a perspective that went beyond numbers, speaking to the depth, diversity, and growing influence of the Nepali community in Australia.
He noted that the diaspora's value extends well beyond remittances; it is Nepal's living network worldwide.
He emphasized the Nepali diaspora is an asset, not just for the community abroad, but for Nepal itself. “It gives the country connections across the world that can be leveraged for greater benefit,” he said, highlighting the report that provides strong evidence-based guidance on how that potential can be harnessed.
The report highlights the remarkable growth and transformation of the Nepali born community in Australia. According to the latest figures cited in the study, the Nepali born population in Australia reached an estimated 213,580 by June 2025, rising sharply from 122,506 recorded in the 2021 Australian Census and almost five times higher than the community’s size in 2014. This growth reflects not only migration, but also the emergence of a young, educated, economically active, and increasingly settled Nepali community in Australia.
The study, based on a survey of 1,089 respondents, also reveals that education has been the main pathway of migration, with 61.16 percent of respondents moving to Australia for higher education. Over time, this education led migration has gradually developed into a more diverse and professionally active community. Many respondents are now working across key sectors such as health and care, IT and technology, hospitality, engineering, finance, and business services.
According to the report, the income patterns also indicate growing economic stability within the community. “The largest share of respondents, 45.27 percent, earn between AUD 65,001 and AUD 120,000 annually, while the estimated median annual income is around AUD 77,039,” the report states, highlighting that the Nepali diaspora in Australia is not only integrating into the labor market, but also moving towards greater financial confidence and long term settlement.
“If harnessed well, Australian diaspora could help fast-track Nepal's development and produce the country's second billionaire from among them,” claimed Executive Chair of IIDS Dr Biswash Gauchan.
Lately, the diaspora’s role is expanding beyond traditional remittance flows, with growing contributions in investment, entrepreneurship, professional networks, trade linkages, cultural exchange, and knowledge transfer, the report states, showing that 34.99 percent of respondents have made formal investments in Australia. “However, among those who have invested, 51.18 percent invest only in Australia, while 22.57 percent invest only in Nepal, which indicates the financial capacity of the diaspora and the need to create a more enabling investment environment in Nepal.”
The study also shows that the diaspora’s connection with Nepal remains strong. “Some 50.27 percent of respondents visit Nepal mainly to meet family and friends,” it states, adding, “In terms of frequency, 37.74 percent visit Nepal every two to three years, while 10.38 percent visit at least once a year.”
However, some 61.71 percent of respondents intend to remain in Australia, suggesting that the diaspora is becoming more permanently settled while still maintaining emotional, cultural, and economic ties with Nepal, the report adds.
The report launch was followed by a panel discussion which discussed remittances, exploring investment opportunities in energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure; the case for an integrated migration policy; and the critical role of cultural exchange and incentive-driven engagement.
The diaspora wants to invest in Nepal, however, according to the report, there are major barriers to investment, including bureaucratic delays, economic uncertainty, policy and legal changes, lack of transparency, and complicated tax and legal systems.
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