The Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) in collaboration with the Australian Embassy in Nepal launched the report “Nepali Diaspora in Australia” amidst a program organized at Marriott Hotel in Kathmandu on Monday.
Policymakers, diplomatic representatives, diaspora leaders, academics, private sector representatives, development partners, and other stakeholders took part in the event to discuss the growing role of the Nepali diaspora in strengthening Nepal Australia relations.
The report highlights the remarkable growth and transformation of the Nepali born community in Australia.
According to the latest figures cited in the study, the Nepali born population in Australia reached an estimated 213,580 by June 2025, rising sharply from 122,506 recorded in the 2021.
This growth reflects not only migration, but also the emergence of a young, educated, economically active, and increasingly settled Nepali community in Australia.
The study, based on a survey of 1,089 respondents, shows that education has been the main pathway of migration, with 61.16 percent of respondents moving to Australia for higher education.
Income patterns also indicate growing economic stability within the community.
Survey findings show that the largest share of respondents, 45.27 percent, earn between AUD 65,001 and AUD 120,000 annually, while the estimated median annual income is around AUD 77,039.
These figures suggest that the Nepali diaspora in Australia is not only integrating into the labour market, but also moving towards greater financial confidence and long term settlement.
Dr Biswash Gauchan, FCA, Executive Chair of IIDS, noted that diaspora remittances account for over 30% of Nepal's GDP, nearly $15 billion for an economy of $45 billion.
Gauchan believes that it could fast-track Nepal's development and produce the country's second billionaire from among its own diaspora if harnessed well.
Sneha Ghimire, Senior Program and Research Assistant at IIDS, said that the diaspora’s role is expanding beyond traditional remittance flows, with growing contributions in investment, entrepreneurship, professional networks, trade linkages, cultural exchange, and knowledge transfer.
Survey findings show that 34.99 percent of respondents have made formal investments. However, among those who have invested, 51.18 percent invest only in Australia, while 22.57 percent invest only in Nepal.
Speaking on the occasion, Australian Ambassador to Nepal Simon Ernst saud that the diaspora's value extends well beyond remittances; it is Nepal's living network worldwide.
He emphasized that the Nepali diaspora is an asset, not just for the community abroad, but for Nepal itself.
Similarly, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the ministry is actively exploring NRN citizenship as a viable pathway, while acknowledging that Nepal’s constitution currently does not permit dual citizenship.
The study also shows that the diaspora’s connection with Nepal remains strong. According to the report, 50.27 percent of respondents visit Nepal mainly to meet family and friends.
In terms of frequency, 37.74 percent visit Nepal every two to three years, while 10.38 percent visit at least once a year.
At the same time, 61.71 percent of respondents intend to remain in Australia, suggesting that the diaspora is becoming more permanently settled while still maintaining emotional, cultural, and economic ties with Nepal.
The report further identifies key policy issues that could shape future diaspora engagement.
Survey data shows that 73.04 percent of respondents believe dual citizenship would strengthen their Nepali identity and sense of belonging, while 66.39 percent identify dual citizenship as a major policy measure that would encourage more investment in Nepal.
At the same time, respondents pointed to major barriers to investment, including bureaucratic delays, economic uncertainty, policy and legal changes, lack of transparency, and complicated tax and legal systems.
