COLUMBUS: Association of Nepali Origin (ANO) welcomes dedicated airport desks at Tribhuvan International Airport and calls on Kathmandu to avoid discrimination against people of Nepali origin worldwide.

Association of Nepali Origin in the U.S. state of Ohio has formally thanked the Government of Nepal for establishing dedicated immigration desks for people of Nepali origin at Tribhuvan International Airport, while also urging authorities not to discriminate in the proposed new law governing non-resident Nepalis.

At a large gathering of Nepalis living in Ohio on Saturday, ANO handed over a letter of appreciation to Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to the United States, Sharad Raj Aran.

The letter, signed by ANO President Dilli Adhikari, praised the government’s decision to create special service desks in the arrival and departure halls of Tribhuvan International Airport for people of Nepali origin.

Receiving the letter, Aran expressed gratitude to ANO for publicly recognizing the government’s initiative. He said he was encouraged to receive a formal message appreciating the state’s efforts to strengthen ties with Nepalis living abroad.

Adhikari said the move had generated excitement among Nepali-origin communities around the world, describing the dedicated immigration desks as an important symbolic and practical step to reconnect the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.

The special airport arrangement was introduced following ANO’s request and was implemented by the Government of Nepal on Chaitra 8 (March 21, 2025), providing dedicated services to foreign citizens of Nepali origin.

The letter stated that the decision has deepened trust and emotional bonds between Nepal and Nepali-origin communities worldwide.

ANO said the initiative would inspire future generations to remain proud of their roots and heritage.

During the event, the organization also drew the government’s attention to concerns over the first draft of the proposed Non-Resident Nepali Act, 2082, currently under discussion in Nepal.

Adhikari submitted a separate memorandum to Acting Ambassador Aran, urging the government to ensure that all people of Nepali origin are eligible for Nepali-origin identity cards, regardless of the country in which they were born.

He specifically called for equal recognition of individuals born in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries if they have since acquired citizenship of a third country. He noted that the current draft law does not clearly provide for such inclusion.

Aran assured the gathering that ANO’s concerns would be conveyed to the Government of Nepal. He also praised the organization’s efforts to unite Nepali-origin communities around the world.

The event was attended by hundreds of local Nepali-origin residents. ANO Secretary Bivek Poudel delivered the welcome remarks, while spokesperson Keshav Acharya offered the vote of thanks. Students from the singing and dance classes of INTRA Foundation presented Nepali cultural songs and dances during the program.