Nepali diaspora in the United States has expressed dissatisfaction over the Nepal government’s decision to shut down the Consulate General in San Francisco, California, less than a year after its establishment.
Through the budget for fiscal year 2083/84 (2026/27), the government announced plans to close six diplomatic missions abroad, including the consulate in San Francisco. The list also includes the Consulate General in Chengdu, China; embassies in Denmark, Brazil and South Africa; and a branch office of the Nepali Embassy in Visakhapatnam, India.
The budget statement said the move was made “in view of changing economic diplomacy,” adding that the government would close the missions in Denmark, Brazil, South Africa, Chengdu and San Francisco, as well as the Visakhapatnam office.
Members of the Nepali community in the U.S., particularly on the West Coast, have criticized the decision, saying it would directly affect thousands of Nepalis who rely on the consulate for essential services.
Shriram Thapa, a resident of Gulmi currently living in San Francisco, expressed concern over the decision in a message addressed to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle via social media. He described the consulate as more than just a building, calling it “a vital bridge to the homeland” for Nepalis in western United States.
“Even if some money is saved by closing the consulate, it will directly impact thousands of Nepalis,” Thapa wrote, urging the government to reconsider its decision. He added that while the move might appear as a financial figure, “in human terms, it is the tears of thousands of Nepalis.”
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) National Coordination Council USA has also voiced opposition, urging the government to review the decision by considering the needs, sentiments and diplomatic importance of the Nepali community in western United States.
According to NRNA USA, the San Francisco consulate, established in 2025, was the result of long-standing demand and collective efforts of the Nepali diaspora. Within a short period, it has been providing services such as passport renewal, document authentication, NRNA cards and visas.
The council stated that the consulate significantly reduced the need for Nepalis in the western region to travel to Washington, D.C., offering relief especially to students, professionals, senior citizens and those requiring emergency services.
In a statement issued by spokesperson Sandesh Upreti, the council said the consulate has also strengthened the community’s social, cultural and diplomatic presence while helping expand ties with local governments and institutions.
NRNA USA President Bikash Upreti and Vice President Shanti Paudyal also issued separate statements calling on the government to reverse the decision.
Nepali community members in California’s Bay Area have written to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and other officials, requesting that the decision be withdrawn. They emphasized the importance of the consulate in providing essential consular services and supporting the diaspora across the western region.
NRNA California chapter and Prabasi Nepali Manch America have also expressed concern and called for reconsideration.
The Nepal government decided on Jan. 10, 2025, to establish the Consulate General in San Francisco. After administrative and technical preparations, the office was set up on July 1, 2025, and began regular consular services from Sept. 22, 2025.
The consulate’s jurisdiction covers 11 western U.S. states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.
In addition to providing passport and consular services, the office has been working to promote trade, investment, tourism and technology transfer between Nepal and the western United States, while safeguarding the interests of Nepali citizens and strengthening people-to-people ties.
With the government announcing its closure within a year of operation, pressure is mounting from the Nepali community in western United States to reconsider the decision, citing the consulate’s necessity and effectiveness.
Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
