Nepal's ambassador designate to the United States, Chiran Jung Thapa, has pledges to improve consular services for Nepali citizens living in the US, including by arranging services on public holidays when necessary.
Thapa presented his diplomatic work plan to the Federal Parliament's Parliamentary Hearing Committee on October 12.
He said improving the quality of consular services, protecting Nepal's national interests and strengthening diplomatic capacity would be among his priorities.He proposed introducing measures to manage heavy demand for consular services, prioritizing the satisfaction of service users and coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure adequate funding.
Why the proposal matters
Many Nepali in the United States rely on the embassy for the passports, travel documents, visa-related documentation, attestations and other consular matters. The embassy's published contact information lists regular consular services hours from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except public holidays.It also warns that limited staffing capacity can cause delays in responding to inquiries
.Thapa’s proposal to arrange services on public holidays when needed could offer another option for people who find it difficult to visit during weekday working hours.
Engagement with the diaspora
Thapa said he would seek to mobilize Nepalis living across different US states and use diaspora networks to support Nepal’s development and help bring back the country’s cultural heritage.
He said he planned to draw on contacts developed while studying and working in the United States to expand diplomatic outreach and create opportunities for high-level visits between the two countries.
Security cooperation and technology
On security cooperation, Thapa said US assistance should be used in line with Nepal’s needs and priorities.
He also pledged to pursue technology transfer, particularly in technology and cybersecurity, and to improve the effectiveness of US assistance in areas such as peacekeeping and disaster management within the government’s directives.
Protecting Nepal’s national interests would remain central to his diplomatic work, he told the committee.
Thapa’s commitments were made during the parliamentary hearing process. A nomination is not the same as a completed ambassadorial appointment. It remains subject to the required approval procedures, including the hearing process and subsequent diplomatic formalities.
