Doha, 06 August 2025

The Non-Resident Nepali Association Qatar (NRNA-NCC Qatar), appears to have splintered into two competing factions, following parallel conventions held in 2025.

This division marks the first such split since the establishment of NRNA NCC Qatar in 2003 and mirrors the broader leadership conflict currently unfolding within the NRNA’s central body in Nepal.

Mahesh Kumar Shrestha was recently elected as the President of the NRNA during a convention held at Hotel Hyatt in Kathmandu. The event, however, was boycotted by rival group. In a significant move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal intervened, issuing a circular to its diplomatic missions abroad last Thursday, officially recognizing the newly elected executive committee led by Shrestha. This endorsement follows a directive by Nepal’s Supreme Court mandating a unity convention to resolve the association’s long-standing leadership disputes.

As part of convention held in Nepal, Doha-based Ramesh Shrestha was elected Regional Coordinator for the Middle East. He has also been elected as President of NRNA NCC Qatar by one faction for the term 2025-7. This group claims to represent the majority of Qatar’s registered Nepali workforce—around 5,000 out of the approximately 8,000 registered members.

Meanwhile, a separate convention held by another faction elected Krishna Panthi as President of NRNA NCC Qatar for the 2025–2027 term. Panthi previously served as Vice President of NRNA NCC Qatar from 2023 to 2025, under outgoing President Ramesh Bhatta.

Migrant workers face a range of challenges while living and working abroad—often thousands of miles from home—paying not only financial but also emotional costs. Recognizing their struggles, Dr. Upendra Mahato announced the formation of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) during a convention held in Kathmandu on October 11, 2003.

The first overseas branch of NRNA ICC, managed by local Nepali workers, was established in Russia in December 2023. Later that same month, the Qatar branch was inaugurated, led by Doha-based NRNA founding member Sagar Nepal, with Engineer Rajiv Dangol serving as its first president.