The resettlement countries include Canada, Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. A majority of refugees-over 75,000 people-have been resettled in the United States.

Andrew James Sparkes, British ambassador to Nepal and chairperson of the Core Group of eight resettlement countries, said the resettlement was another important step towards resolving one of the most protracted refugee situations in Asia and that it has been possible due to strong support of the Nepal government and the excellent cooperation between the resettlement countries, along with UNHCR and IOM. "The courage and resilience of the refugees has been a great motivation for us to continue our engagement with the population," he said.

Of the 27,000 refugees remaining in the camps, about 21,000 have already expressed an interest in resettlement and are expected to depart in the coming years, the statement said.

A major exercise is under way in the camps in eastern Nepal in which refugees wishing to be considered for group resettlement are required to submit a Declaration of Interest (DOI) form to the UNHCR before the deadline of June 30, the statement said.