Nepal’s Open Call for Envoys—Including to the U.S.—Sparks Expert Concerns

Nepal has, for the first time in its diplomatic history, initiated an open application process to appoint ambassadors, a move the government says is aimed at promoting transparency and merit-based selection. However, former foreign ministers, ex-ambassadors and political analysts have raised serious concerns about the rationale and effectiveness of the approach.

Political analyst Dambar Khatiwada described the decision as “theatrics,” arguing that the government should instead focus on strengthening the professional development of the foreign service. Writing on Facebook, he said ambassadorial appointments should be made from within the foreign service if merit is the goal.

“If the intent is professional development, appointments should be made solely from the foreign service — that would settle the matter,” Khatiwada wrote. He added that if political leadership prefers trusted individuals, there is no need to “cloak the process in open competition.”

Khatiwada also argued that qualified and self-respecting individuals are unlikely to be attracted to politically influenced appointments, noting concerns about instability and potential prearranged decisions amid frequent government changes.

‘Not a CEO role’

Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader and former Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa said the ambassadorial role cannot be compared to a chief executive position in the private or banking sectors. He stressed that the position is tied to political trust, national interest and diplomatic capability, making open competition an unsuitable model.

“An ambassador is not a CEO of a corporate or banking institution. Therefore, the idea of appointing ambassadors through open competition is not appropriate,” Thapa said.

He suggested creating a roster of qualified and experienced individuals and making appointments without bias. Thapa also warned that appointing ambassadors to strategically important countries such as India, China and the United States through open competition could be a mistake.

‘Not a position one applies for’

Nilambar Acharya, Nepal’s former ambassador to India, also opposed the government’s decision, saying the role cannot be treated like a routine administrative or professional post.

“The position of ambassador is one of trust and capability. The government should appoint individuals it trusts and who can fulfill the responsibility,” Acharya said.

He noted that foreign service officers rise through years of evaluation, experience and competition, making them well-suited for such roles. Introducing direct open competition, he argued, could weaken the institutional structure and values of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“If recruitment is to be competitive, the foreign service already provides that structure. Otherwise, it raises questions about why political appointments are made,” he said.

Acharya added that the practice of applying for ambassadorial posts does not align with the nature of the position. “An ambassadorship is not something one seeks by application. It is a responsibility entrusted by the state,” he said.

While acknowledging past issues and misuse in political appointments, Acharya said open applications are not the solution. “A résumé alone cannot measure commitment to national interest, diplomatic skill or dedication to the state,” he said.

Application details

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday invited open applications for ambassadorial posts to the United States, India, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, South Korea, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

According to the ministry, the process follows the 2018 directive on ambassadorial appointments. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree, experience in Nepal’s foreign policy, international relations or diplomacy, strong command of English, and high moral character.

Candidates must be Nepali citizens at least 35 years old and must not hold permanent or temporary residency or immigration benefits from a foreign country. Individuals dismissed from government service, disqualified from future public service or convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude are ineligible, the ministry said.