Nishant Sharma : Australia has long been a melting pot of cultures, welcoming people from all corners of the globe to call it home. One such community that has seen significant growth in recent years is the Nepali diaspora. There are now over 130,000 (anecdotal) Nepali people residing in Australia, with an  additional 60,000 Nepali international students pursuing their education in the country. This influx of Nepali residents and students has led to the establishment of vibrant communities in various Australian suburbs. However, this rapid growth also presents unique challenges that need to be addressed by both the government and the community itself.

The Top Suburbs for Nepali-born:

Nepali communities in Australia have formed strong bonds, primarily in the following suburbs:

1. Auburn, NSW
2. Hurstville, NSW
3. Strathfield, NSW
4. Rockdale, NSW
5. Campsie, NSW
6. Granville, NSW
7. Kogarah, NSW
8. Glenroy, VIC
9. Parramatta, NSW
10. Ashfield, NSW 

These suburbs have become hubs for Nepali culture, offering a sense of familiarity and community for those who have made the journey from Nepal to Australia. From restaurants serving traditional Nepali cuisine to cultural events and festivals, these neighborhoods have embraced and celebrated their new residents.

While the growth of the Nepali population in Australia is undoubtedly a positive development, it also brings forth various challenges that need to be addressed:  

1. Legal issues: Australia’s diverse cultural landscape extends far beyond the surface, encompassing the triumphs and challenges faced by each Among these communities, the Nepali population in Australia is no exception and, like any other, grapples with legal issues that demand attention and action. In particular, issues related to domestic violence, unconsented sex, and sexual offenses, employment exploitation, underpayment, and workplace sexual harassment require proactive measures to ensure justice and support for those affected. Initiatives must focus on raising awareness, offering legal education, and providing accessible resources tailored to the unique needs of Nepali immigrants. By addressing these legal concerns and fostering a culture of awareness and empowerment, the community can strengthen its resilience and create safer and more equitable environments for all its members within the multicultural society of Australia.

2. Mental Health Issues: The process of migration and adjusting to a new culture can be emotionally Many Nepali immigrants may struggle with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Cultural nuances and language barriers can further complicate access to mental health services. Thus, the availability of culturally sensitive mental health support becomes paramount. Providing resources for counseling, therapy, and mental health education in Nepali languages can significantly enhance the community’s well-being.

The Nepali community is facing a growing concern regarding suicide rates. The pressures of migration, adapting to a new culture, and the challenges of integration can take a toll on mental well-being. The rising number of suicides within the Nepali population underscores the urgent need for mental health support and intervention tailored to the community’s specific needs.

3. Child Health Issues and Autism: The Nepali community in Australia has grown significantly over the years, and with it comes a unique set of challenges faced by parents, especially when their children are born with developmental issues like While Australia has made strides in providing support for children with developmental disorders through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), temporary visa holders often find themselves in a difficult situation, as they are not eligible for NDIS funding. This issue not only places financial strain on families but can also impact their chances of obtaining permanent residency due to health criteria concerns. There is a pressing need for increased awareness and advocacy on this topic within the Nepali community.

Child health issues and challenges faced by Nepali parents in Australia, particularly in cases of autism and developmental disorders, requires a collaborative effort from the community, government, and advocacy groups. Increased awareness and advocacy can lead to policy changes that better support temporary visa holders in accessing the necessary services and ensure that no child’s developmental needs go unmet due to visa status.

4. Visa related Issues: One of the critical challenges faced by the Nepali community in Australia, particularly those pursuing visas and immigration status, is the prevalence of fraud and misconduct within the migration advice This issue has resulted in unfortunate consequences, including individuals unknowingly becoming unlawful immigrants due to misinformation or lack of knowledge. To address this pressing concern, it is essential for both the Australian government and the Nepali community to take proactive steps. The government should invest in educational campaigns targeted at immigrant communities, including the Nepali population, to inform them about the risks associated with unlawful migration advice and the importance of using registered and reputable migration agents/lawyers.

5. Passport Issues: The Nepal Embassy in Australia plays a pivotal role in passport issuance and renewal for Nepali nationals residing in the country. However, the demand for passport services has surged in recent years due to the increase in population, outstripping the embassy’s capacity to efficiently process Insufficient staff, lengthy waiting times, and administrative delays have become recurring challenges, leaving many Nepali individuals in a precarious legal situation.

It’s worth noting that the current Ambassador, H.E Mr. Kailash Raj Pokharel, has made commendable efforts to alleviate the passport renewal hardships faced by the Nepali people in recent transactions. His dedication to addressing the issue has provided some relief to the community. However, the problem of limited resources at the embassy persists and requires sustained attention.

6. Employment Issues: Many Nepali immigrants in Australia encounter challenges in securing employment within their nominated or preferred occupations, often finding themselves compelled to take on basic frontline employment. Despite their qualifications, skills, and aspirations, the realities of the job market may force them into roles that do not align with their professional This situation can be frustrating and may not fully utilize their potential, highlighting the need for support and initiatives that help match their qualifications with suitable employment opportunities.

In terms of occupations, many Nepali immigrants in Australia are engaged in various sectors. The healthcare sector sees a significant presence of Nepali individuals, with many working as nurses, healthcare assistants, and aged care workers. In the field of education, some Nepali immigrants hold positions as teachers, childcare workers, or in educational support roles. Additionally, the hospitality and retail industries also include Nepali workers, with roles spanning from restaurant staff and chefs to retail sales associates. In the construction sector, some Nepali immigrants are involved as tradespeople, laborers, or in related roles. Moreover, jobs in the transportation sector, such as driving taxis or providing rideshare services, are pursued by some members of the Nepali community in Australia.

The Nepali community in Australia can assist its members in finding employment through networking, mentorship programs, and skill development workshops. They can offer resume and interview preparation support, advocate for foreign qualification recognition, and collaborate with local organizations. Promoting entrepreneurship and advocating for inclusive hiring practices also play essential roles in helping community members secure employment, fostering their integration into the Australian job market and enhancing their overall well- being.

In conclusion, addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort, proactive measures, increased awareness, and policy changes to ensure that the Nepali community in Australia can thrive and contribute to the multicultural fabric of the nation while enjoying a safe and prosperous life in their adopted homeland. Furthermore, in addressing the challenges faced by the Nepali community in Australia, it is crucial to highlight the role of the Nepal government in providing additional support and resources through its embassy and diplomatic channels.

(Writer Sharma is NSW Supreme Court Lawyer, Australia)

Kathmandu : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane have held a meeting today at the former’s official residence at Baluwatar.

During the meeting, the two leaders held discussions on the contemporary political situation of the country, RSP Vice President Dol Prasad Aryal said. According to Aryal, PM held a meeting with the RSP leadership to figure out the RSP’s take on the government.

“Views were exchanged on contemporary political matters. Our party has convened the meeting of the Central Committee and the Parliamentary Party tomorrow. The Prime Minister held discussion with the party president to get an idea of what RSP was thinking of the government in that context,” Aryal added.

PM Dahal on the occasion congratulated the RSP President on his election to the post of Member of Parliament through the by-election. The RSP central committee is scheduled to meet at 11.00 am tomorrow. RSS

Kathmandu, 24th April 2023. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)’s candidate Dr Swarnim Wagle is leading a vote tally under the House of Representatives (HoR) by-election in Tanahu constituency-1. The voting was held on Sunday.

The vote count is ongoing since 11:45 pm of Sunday, and as per the latest updates from 13 wards till 10:00 am today, Dr Wagle has led the count with 10,259 votes to his name.

The margin was 5,256 votes against his nearest rival Govinda Bhattarai of Nepali Congress who garnered 5,003. Likewise, Sarbendra Khanal of CPN (UML) got 2,797. The vote count is underway in the district coordination committee’s hall. A total of 63,757 votes were cast in 42 wards in the constituency.

Kathmandu, 24th April 2023. The Election Commission has sought clarification from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson and House of Representatives by-election candidate Rabi Lamichhane in the violation of the election code of conduct.

The EC acted on a complaint registered by the Nepali Congress, Chitwan accusing Lamichhane and Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel of flouting the election code of conduct.

Lamichhane was asked to furnish clarification on the matter on Sunday, and the response was submitted the same day, said Ishwor Acharya, assistant election officer at the election office, Chitwan, adding that the reply was forwarded to the Election Commission.

Lamichhane has been charged with violating the code of conduct by asking for vote on social sites and launching publicity campaign at the polling centre during the silence period. CDO Paudel has been also accused of assisting Lamichhane in these activities. The NC has sought action against the persons in question as per the Election Act.

Pokhara, 27th January: Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Khaga Raj Adhikari has asked the secretaries of the province government to expedite the processes to spend the capital expenditure while remaining economical on current expenses.

Taking briefings from the ministers and secretaries at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers on Thursday, Adhikari argued that financial good-governance, and development was a precondition to minimize the current expenditure.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Adhikari directed the stakeholders to translate the issue of good-governance in practice, not merely in speeches and slogans.

Special steps are needed to clear the past arrears and prevent from happening the new arrears by fully abiding by the Economic Act, Rules and Procedures, according to the Chief Minister.

Reminding the officials of the decision to make the province government’s organizations prompt for its effective operation being cost-effective, Adhikari asked the officials to cooperate with the principal secretary-led organization and management committee for making an objective organization and management (O and M).

In its bid to reduce the operation cost, the province government has already downsized the ministries from 12 to seven in Gandaki Province

Kathmandu, 27th January: The standing committee meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has kicked off at the party’s main office at Perisdanda.

The meeting will discuss on the ‘Brief Report on Latest Contemporary Topics’ presented on Thursday by party Chair and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

The standing committee meeting today will discuss the latest political situation and the election of the President and the Vice President, among other topics. It held discussions on party unification and expansion of party organisation on Thursday.

On Thursday, the party Chair Dahal had briefed the meeting on the election to the Member of the House of Representatives and Province Assembly, the party’s overall situation following the election, the coalition forged in course of forming the government and the government’s activities. RSS

Kathmandu, Jan 26 : A meeting of the Nepali Congress central working committee (CWC) scheduled for January 29 has been postponed citing a special reason.

According to NC central office chief secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel, the meeting has been put off due to special circumstances until a further notice.

Kathmandu, January 26 : The CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli today said there is a need for every individual to have enlightenment in them to establish good moral norms and values in the society.

The society should cultivate good moral norms and values to provide happiness to people by realising their aspirations for ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis’, said the former Prime Minister in a message of best wishes on the occasion of Shree Panchami (Saraswati Puja) today.

The UML has made it its destination to fulfill people’s aspirations for ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis’ as it is the only leading and responsible party for the same, he claimed.

“The party has moved ahead with sectoral action plans and period goals for the implementation of policies and programmes to develop and prosper the country,” he said.

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 18th : Nepal Bar Council has listed ‘Concept of Judicial Review’ a book authored by constitutional expert Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya as the best book for 2020.

The book which has been listed in the syllabus of Tribhuvan University and Purbanchal University narrates Nepal’s judicial history and judicial trends on constitutional issues since 1953 apart from offering comparison of constitutional provisions in Nepal, India, the UK and the US.

Receivng  the best book award, Dr. Acharya has expressed his gratitude to the Bar Council, the Honorable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Cholendra Shumsher JBR and all the senior well-wishers. He said, ‘I hope that this book will be useful for those who want to know about the constitutions of Nepal, judicial system, Nepali legal system, state-structure & system of governance.’

The book was published by Pairavi publication. Dr. Acharya is a renowned constitutional expert of Nepal. He is also an excellent folk singer too. Having vast experience in Nepalese law scenario and as advocate of the supreme court of Nepal his specialization lies mostly in constitution, business and criminal law.

Dr. Acharya done his Ph.D. on ‘The System of Judicial Review’. His contribution in law scenario has been profound as his several books have been valuable in law sector. Founding president of Constitutional Lawyers Forum, Dr. Acharya is affiliated in Alliance Law Firm.