Nepal Consul General in New York Prioritizes Digital Services, Diaspora Engagement

Dadhi Ram Bhandari, Nepal’s Consul General in New York, has made technology-friendly services and connecting diaspora skills to Nepal a top priority as the Nepali community’s presence continues to grow in the global economic and cultural hub.

Since assuming office in June 2025, Bhandari has launched initiatives to make consular services faster, more accessible, and digitally streamlined. The Consulate General of Nepal in New York, which serves nine U.S. states, is expanding outreach through mobile consular camps and a “digital-first” approach to deliver services such as passports, visas, and document authentication more efficiently.

In an interview with journalist Girija Adhikari, Bhandari said strengthening Nepal-U.S. relations and improving service delivery are his main priorities. He described his first 12 months in office as productive and noted that the Nepali diaspora in the United States is active, engaged, and strongly connected to Nepal.

“Despite challenges due to limited resources and growing service expectations, collaboration with the community and support from American partners have helped turn those challenges into opportunities,” he said.

Bhandari said the consulate has simplified online application systems for passports and visas and regularly updates information through its website and social media platforms. Staff contact details are publicly available, and emergency assistance is provided at any time.

He cited a recent case in which the consulate opened on a Saturday to issue a one-way travel document to a Nepali citizen whose passport had expired just hours before a scheduled flight. The consulate also offers walk-in services for urgent cases and prioritizes elderly and pregnant applicants.

To address legal and documentation challenges faced by Nepalis in the U.S., the consulate has been encouraging timely renewal of passports and other documents through community outreach programs. It is also working with local and state officials to make key information available in the Nepali language and plans to organize legal awareness programs in collaboration with Nepali-origin lawyers and local media.

On tourism promotion, Bhandari said the United States is a major source market for Nepal. The consulate plans to showcase Nepal in prominent locations such as Times Square, parks, and universities, and to collaborate with U.S. travel agencies through “नेपाल Sales Missions.”

Nepal participated in the New York Travel & Adventure Show in January 2026, alongside the Nepal Tourism Board and about a dozen agencies. The consulate has also engaged with organizations such as the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) New York Chapter and the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, and plans to expand “Visit Nepal” promotional events to other states.

Bhandari emphasized the consulate’s role as a bridge for investment and knowledge transfer. Through recent discussions, including events held in July and August, the consulate has encouraged investment in Nepal’s information technology sector and promoted service exports. He said the office maintains close ties with Nepali entrepreneurs and professionals and acts as a facilitator for diaspora investment.

To improve access for Nepalis living outside New York, the consulate has conducted mobile service camps in Connecticut and Massachusetts, serving more than 500 people. Similar programs are planned in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and other states. Many services are now available by mail, reducing the need for in-person visits.

The consulate is also working to connect second-generation Nepali Americans with their cultural roots. It supports community efforts to teach Nepali language, arts, and culture, and plans to organize summer camps, workshops, and heritage tours in collaboration with local organizations.