Government Grants Official Recognition to Sujan Lama-led NRNA in Portugal

May 6, Lisbon – Among the three Non-Resident Nepali Associations (NRNA) established in Portugal, the committee led by Sujan Lama has received official government recognition. A year ago, three separate committees were formed, all operating activities in parallel.

A year ago, Sujan Lama had notified the Portuguese government to secure legal and formal recognition for the committee he leads. On Friday, NRNA Secretary Suraj Bhandari issued a statement informing that the committee chaired by Lama has been officially recognized by the government authorities.

In October 2025, Lama applied to Portugal’s Ministry of Justice registrar and notary institution (IRN) to renew and register the Non-Resident Nepali Association National Coordination Council, Portugal, under his leadership.

Following the application, the IRN issued a decision on Friday updating the official structure and awarding a certificate to the Lama-led committee. This signifies that the Lama-led NRNA has now gained official status and legal recognition in Portugal. “The IRN has made a fair decision; we have received official status,” Lama said. “Our primary concern is ensuring that human traffickers and corrupt individuals do not misuse the NRNA’s cover for illegal activities.” He added that under Portuguese law, it is now unlawful for other groups to operate using the NRNA name.

The IRN, the government body responsible for registering companies and organizations and resolving disputes, recognizing the Lama-led committee has surprised other factions. Apart from Lama, two other committees exist in Portugal headed by Bam Bahadur Jisi and Deepa Kafle. Both committees share the same accountant.

Since 2023, the official recognition of NRNA in Portugal has been controversial, preventing updates in government records for the association here.

Established in 2006, the NRNA Portugal split in 2023 following conflicts initiated under Ravin Adhikari’s leadership, which led to two committees by 2023 and a third parallel committee by 2025.

Kafle Expresses Surprise Amid Ongoing Unity Efforts

Deepa Kafle, another chairperson of NRNA Portugal, expressed surprise upon learning through social media that the Lama-led group claimed official status. Speaking Friday afternoon, she noted that she and Bam Bahadur have been engaged in long discussions to unite the two committees. “This news makes it appear as though there is one official committee with one individual and another committee separately. We are still deliberating on how to resolve this,” Kafle said. “The accountant is shared by the two institutions led by Bam Bahadur and me and we are working jointly, but we are unsure how the Lama-led committee obtained documentation and recognition from the IRN.”

She added that once agreement is reached between her and Jisi, she is prepared to propose unity to Lama. Kafle also acknowledged the possibility that the organization’s renewal may have occurred through Lama per Portuguese legal procedures but noted that no committee had claimed official status until now.

When approached for comment on this issue, Jisi declined to respond.

Allegations of Embezzlement Exceeding NPR 4.6 Million

In the press release issued by Secretary Suraj Bhandari on Friday, it was disclosed that more than 4.6 million Nepali rupees held in the association’s bank account were found missing. Soon after the government body awarded the certificate to the Lama-led committee, withdrawal of bank statements commenced. Allegations surfaced that members of other factions unlawfully embezzled €26,657.

According to Bhandari, the amount collected through official payments on behalf of the association could not be found in the bank account, which currently shows only €324. He urged that funds collected in the association’s name be kept solely in the association’s bank account.

Commitment to Moving Forward Inclusively: Lama

Sujan Lama, chairperson of NRNA Portugal, expressed commitment to advancing with unity, transparency, and mutual respect. Speaking to the press Friday evening, he said, “With every ripple comes a landslide; I am committed to moving forward by leaving the past behind and collaborating with everyone.”

He noted that the confusion that arose after three years without legal recognition has now ended, and a legitimate and competent structure for the non-resident Nepali community has been established. “There is much work to be done for the benefit of non-resident Nepalis. Hence, receiving official recognition should not lead to complacency but rather inspire us to serve with greater responsibility,” Lama added.