Nepal’s government has dismissed 15 honorary consuls and honorary consul generals serving abroad, including three based in the United States.
The decision was taken by the Council of Ministers on Friday, May 8, following a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was made in accordance with the Honorary Consul Regulations, 2039 (Sixth Amendment), particularly Section 7(8), which allows the government to relieve honorary representatives after assessing the necessity and justification of their roles.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri confirmed the decision during a press briefing, stating that the government had evaluated the continued need and relevance of the honorary positions in the respective locations.
Among those affected are three honorary representatives in the United States: Rishi Punnakhar Dhakal, honorary consul general in San Diego, California; Pralhad Bahadur KC, honorary consul in the Boston/Cambridge area of Massachusetts; and A.C. Sherpa (Ang Chhiri Sherpa), honorary consul general in Seattle, Washington. Nepal’s honorary consul in Ohio, Damodar Paudel, had already resigned prior to the Cabinet’s decision.
Dhakal, a Nepali‑American businessman and CEO of Rising International Inc., has played a significant role in promoting Nepali trade and investment in Southern California since his appointment in 2013. Most recently, in April 2024, his tenure was extended for an additional four years. He has also been involved in philanthropic and community initiatives within the diaspora.
KC has served the Nepali community in Massachusetts by facilitating consular services and engaging with local Nepali organizations in the Boston and Cambridge areas.
Sherpa, a mountaineer, entrepreneur, and social worker, was appointed honorary consul in 2016 and later elevated to honorary consul general in 2024. Based in Seattle, he has organized consular service camps and promoted Nepal through community outreach and international mountaineering achievements.
The dismissals also extend to honorary representatives in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Israel, Cyprus, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and Malta, reflecting a wider restructuring of Nepal’s honorary diplomatic network.
Officials have not disclosed individual reasons for the dismissals beyond citing regulatory provisions and the overall assessment of necessity. Honorary consuls typically serve on a voluntary, part‑time basis and are often tasked with promoting trade, tourism, and assisting nationals abroad.
Separately, the term of Prem Raja Mahat, Nepal’s honorary consul general in Baltimore, Maryland, had expired earlier and was not extended. Mahat was appointed honorary consul of Nepal for Maryland, USA, in 2010 and was subsequently promoted to honorary consul general in 2012. On October 5, 2020, the Nepal government Council of Ministers extended his tenure by another four years, along with Mervin A. Brustin of Illinois and William C. Cassell of Ohio.
Mervin A. Brustin died on December 9, 2025. The term of Mary C. Carroll, honorary consul in Hawaii, was also not extended.
Mahat, a renowned Nepali folk singer and community leader, has been active in promoting Nepali culture and supporting diaspora communities in the United States over the years.
Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
