Nearly Three Thousand Applications Received for Ambassadorial Appointments
22 Jestha, Kathmandu – Following the government’s inaugural open competitive process for ambassadorial appointments, nearly three thousand applications have been submitted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a call for applications from Jestha 14 to 22. During this period, the ministry reported receiving a large number of applications through online platforms, email, and physical submissions.
Currently, Nepal has diplomatic missions in 34 countries. Among these, ambassadorial posts in 17 countries are filled through political appointments, while the remaining 17 are staffed by ministry officials. All 17 politically appointed ambassadorial positions are currently vacant.
The government invited applications specifically for 13 countries but also allowed candidates to apply for other countries by specifying their preference. The previous administration, led by former Prime Minister Sushila Karki, recalled ambassadors who had political appointments in 10 countries. Subsequently, under the leadership of Balendra Shah, those politically appointed ambassadors were relieved of their duties. With these vacancies, the government opened the first-ever competitive recruitment process for these ambassadorial posts.
According to ministry sources, some applications were duplicates and others were inflated due to recommendations, causing the total numbers to appear higher. The actual count will be disclosed after verification and authentication of all applications. Once the final details are confirmed, the ministry will complete the necessary screening processes and forward the list of qualified candidates to the Council of Ministers. Following parliamentary hearings of the recommended candidates by the Council, appointments will be made by the President. After appointment, ambassadors are required to sign performance agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before assuming their responsibilities.
The ministry issued the call for applications in accordance with the “Ambassador Appointment Directive, 2075 (amended).” The directive stipulates that applicants must be Nepali citizens at least 35 years old and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Additionally, candidates must have no criminal convictions related to corruption or moral turpitude, and must not hold permanent or temporary residency permits (PR or Green Card) from any foreign country. Candidates are also required to have experience in foreign policy, international relations, or diplomacy, along with a good command of the English language.