Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who is also in charge of the foreign ministry, has urged Nepali ambassadors serving abroad to explore the possibility of voting rights for Nepali citizens living, staying and working abroad.

She also issued a five-point instruction to the ambassadors during her first virtual interaction with them. Besides her instructions, Karki apprised them of the latest political situation following the Gen-Z uprising and urged them to communicate the priorities of her government in Kathmandu, whose primary task is to hold general elections on March 5, 2026.

“There is also ongoing study on the possibility of voting rights for Nepali citizens temporarily residing abroad,” she told ambassadors. “We expect you to collect information and provide recommendations on how this could be practically implemented.”

At present, the Ministry of Home Affairs is exploring how to ensure such voting rights for Nepali citizens living in several countries.

The identification of Nepali citizens without permanent residency, the exercise of voting rights outside embassy premises, maintaining law and order during voting, and logistical issues, among other technical details, are being worked out by a team at the Home Ministry, according to officials.

“The general elections on March 5, 2026 are crucial. Free, fair, and fear-free elections are the foundation of democracy. The current government is committed to this. You must coordinate and provide necessary information to government bodies, international institutions, and partners in your respective host countries,” she said while issuing her instructions.

“If we require specific technical or other forms of assistance from any friendly nation, we will inform you promptly,” she told the ambassadors.

The Election Commission has also begun preparations to bring in international observers in line with global practices, she said, adding, “Please coordinate closely on these matters.”

Karki told the ambassadors that the government faces both opportunities and challenges. “The government bears the responsibility of steering the country toward democracy and inclusive prosperity, while addressing those challenges.”

“This government has the responsibility of holding general elections on March 5. 2026… The new generation expects accountability, good governance, transparency, a corruption-free Nepal, employment opportunities, and efficient, technology-friendly public services. These expectations are not unattainable. It is natural for a sovereign people to demand good governance from a government they approved.”

While elections are the top priority, Karki said she is as committed to establishing the highest standards of good governance. She warned that any compromise on duty and integrity will not be tolerated.

On foreign policy, Karki stated that the current government, formed as per the aspirations of the Gen Z, enjoys the goodwill of the Nepali people and the international community.

“Neighboring countries such as India and China, all friendly nations, and development partners have extended their goodwill and support. I assure you all that the interim government will successfully complete its mandate on time.”

“In the Gulf countries and Malaysia, a significant number of Nepalis are working. We must be sensitive to their rights, demands, and welfare. In the short term, embassies must promptly and effectively address their concerns and make service delivery more efficient and technology-friendly. In the long term, we must collectively create employment opportunities in Nepal itself to encourage [their] return and development.”

“The demands of the Gen Z generation relate to political, economic, and broader governance reforms and are of far-reaching significance,” she said in her first interaction with the ambassadors, adding, “We now have a historic and unprecedented opportunity to fulfill those demands.”

“The core goals of this interim government, formed under my leadership, are to strengthen the pillars of good governance and to successfully conduct the upcoming general elections. Strengthening Nepal’s democratic path is our immediate and critical need.”

She told ambassadors to inform all relevant stakeholders, including host country governments and others concerned, about the recent movement in Nepal, people’s aspirations for change, and the interim government’s priorities.

She said the government has established a “Physical Infrastructure Reconstruction Fund” to support relief, rebuilding, and economic revival.

“This official fund aims to ensure transparent and effective use of resources and prevent parallel, opaque fundraising. Missions have already been provided with relevant banking information. You must publicise and promote this initiative.”

Karki told ambassadors to play an effective role for tourism revival.

The tourism sector has taken a significant hit following the Gen-Z movement, said Karki, in this peak tourist month of October, hotel bookings stand at only around 30 percent whereas it should be about 70 percent.

“You must inform all parties concerned that the situation in Nepal has now normalised, and that tourism, trade, investment, and economic activities have resumed as before. It is also important to highlight that foreign tourists were never targeted during the movement, and in fact, many were assisted—showcasing the unique Nepali culture of “Atithi Devo Bhava” [guests are gods] even in times of crisis."

In her instructions, she also highlighted the sufferings of Nepali citizens.

Stating that millions of Nepali nationals are working abroad, Karki said, the government must work to provide them effective services, and ensure their dignity and rights.

“Hundreds are in foreign prisons, and many have lost their lives. Families are suffering while seeking compensation. They expect transparent, efficient, and timely services from our ministries, departments, and embassies. Following the Gen-Z movement, expectations for competent, transparent, responsible, impartial, tech-friendly, and effective service delivery have increased. We cannot evade our public and legal responsibilities.”

“The Ministry and departments are actively coordinating on matters such as the misuse of visit visas, among others. We must adopt all necessary measures to protect Nepali workers from exploitation by middlemen. We expect concrete suggestions from the missions on this front.”

In her first statement on foreign policy matters, Karki stated that looking at Nepal’s current situation and global affairs, she sees the world today as a mix of political/economic instability and emerging opportunities.

“On the one hand, geopolitical rivalries and conflicts are increasing global uncertainty and on the other, the world is entering a new era of sustainable development, climate justice, and inclusive technology.”

"Not all countries are equal in terms of development, technology, and resources. While challenges exist, new opportunities have also emerged for countries like Nepal. Therefore, effective and proactive diplomacy centered on national interest is essential.”

She also touched on Nepal’s preparations to graduate from least developed country (LDC).

As Nepal prepares to graduate from the LDC category next year and aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must strengthen partnerships with friendly nations and multilateral/regional organisations, said Karki.

On recent floods and landslides, Karki urged the ambassadors to actively engage in issue-based international dialogues, especially to access climate finance, technology, and resources — always with the aim of promoting Nepal’s national interest.

She also urged the prioritisation of economic diplomacy and strengthening of public diplomacy to enhance Nepal’s global image through soft power and cultural identity.

“Through good governance, effective service delivery, and democratic elections, we will successfully realise the change demanded by the Gen Z generation.”

She said missions abroad have a critical role in the national endeavour. “Place service to the nation and people at the center, operate with a stronger sense of responsibility and dedication than ever before, and move your missions forward with vigor.”

Altogether, 44 Nepali diplomats, including Nepal's permanent representatives and consuls general, were present in the briefings.