The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is an institutionalised and incorporated movement of all Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs). It also welcomes people of Nepali origin.
The organisational set-up of NRNA was initiated in 2003 through a conference in Kathmandu. National Co-ordination Councils (NCCs) set up in more than 70 countries now serve as NRNA’s global network. Most of these NCCs are registered with the governments of the countries they operate in.
Community caught up with Nanda Garbuja, general secretary of NRNA-NCC Qatar recently.

As the general secretary of NRNA-NCC Qatar, can you tell us more about the issues that your organisation works with?
There are several issues NRNA-NCC Qatar works with. We mainly work on issues related to labour – we get information about stranded workers every now and then, and we look into these matters. Others are internal issues that are related to the management of our funds, and aligning all the executive and NCC members who are in ideological conflict.

What are the requirements for Nepalis living in Qatar to be a part of NRNA-NCC and NRNA as a whole?
The network of Nepali diaspora has rapidly increased in the past few years and has developed into a formidable force representing our interests globally. The concept of NRNA was to unite all Nepalis living or working abroad and develop a common concept. The Government of Nepal has provided legal status to the Nepali diaspora through the NRNA Act. Hence, NRN accepts any foreign citizens of Nepali origin or Nepali citizens engaged in business and/or various professions abroad, excluding the SAARC countries. They have had to be abroad for the last two years at least. This excludes citizens studying abroad and working in Nepali missions. This is applicable the world over. However, some preambles or regulations can be modified as per residing law of the land.

What are you and NRNA-NCC doing to safeguard the rights and improve facilities for Nepali migrant workers?
NRNA-NCC Qatar focuses on awareness, especially health, safety and environment. We conduct regular workshops to tell workers about safeguarding against extreme temperatures, dangers at the work place and the traffic regulations. We also tie up with the Nepal embassy and assist any countrymen who reports issues related to work.

Do you have any plans to promote Qatari investments in Nepal? How have you found Nepali entrepreneurs here and how can the business climate be improved?
Nepal has been set back by several natural disasters as well as political instability through several decades. Any foreign investments in the country would be welcomed. We are in the process of developing strong tie-ups with local bodies through several trade and tourism programmes and demonstrating to them the investment opportunities that are available to them, especial in the fields of tourism and hydropower.
A large number of Nepali entrepreneurs in Qatar are dealing with human resources. This needs to be diversified to other fields such as technology. Currently, the paradigm of Nepali entrepreneurs and workers is understood to be blue collar jobs. It’s high time we change this.

What are the plans and programmes you are working on as the general secretary of NRN-NCC? What are your initiatives on dual citizenship and channelling skills and capital to Nepal?
Our current body has completed half of its tenure. In the remaining period, we will focus mainly on stabilising the Nepali community through various action plans. We will also work together with the Ministry of Interior. Also, several humanitarian and motivational workshops are in the pipeline.
Dual citizenship practically does not have a significant impact on Gulf; however, we join our hands and voice in support of any other fellow NRNs across the world who would be eligible for this facility. We often lobby to our NRN leaders to provide strategic planning about utilising skills that were honed in the work country.

What are your suggestions to young and aspiring non-resident Nepali entrepreneurs and workers in Qatar?
We should work harder every day. Similarly, we must respect the law of the land and being aware of local regulations is mandatory.

What is NRNA-NCC Qatar doing to strengthen the relations between Nepal and Qatar?
NCC Qatar works in co-ordination with MoI and Hamad Medical Corporation for various humanitarian activities. We also have a smooth relationship with sporting clubs here in Qatar, such as Al Arabi and Al Ahli etc. This helps build a strong relationship between Qatar and Nepal. We will focus on more projects in the future.

The fifth NRNA regional meeting was held in Doha recently. What were the issues discussed during the meeting?
The 5thMiddle East Regional Meeting held in Doha July concluded with a 13-point decision after several hours of expansive discussions. The issues were primarily related to labour and establishment of consulates in various Middle Eastern countries such as UAE, Lebanon and Iraq. We also discussed the possibility of introducing direct flights from Nepal to various destinations such as Bahrain, Kuwait and KSA. In addition to that we also agreed that employment permit renewals be made possible at the embassies, instead of having to get them done in Nepal. Most importantly, we formed a steering committee under Middle East Regional Co-ordinator in order to monitor progress on and implement the above points.

Has NRNA-NCC Qatar received any recognition from the Qatari government?
NRNA-NCC Qatar has been given various certificates of appreciation by the Ministry of Interior and HMC in recognition of our social and humanitarian activities.

NRNA is criticised in Nepal for having big ambitions and doing little work. What is your opinion?
I don’t think this is true. In the past few years, NRNA has successfully implemented its plans. In some cases, we need governmental assistance, which of course will take time. Our motto primarily is to unite the Nepali diaspora. During this period, the organisation has also enabled certain socio-commercial activity, bringing investments back home.