Nepali Diaspora in Bay Area Urges Nepal Government to Reconsider Closure of San Francisco Consulate
San Francisco / Kathmandu — May 29, 2026
Members of the Nepali diaspora in California’s Bay Area have formally urged the Government of Nepal to reconsider any decision regarding the reported closure of the Consulate General of Nepal in San Francisco, warning that such a move would significantly impact thousands of Nepali residents across the U.S. West Coast.
In a formal letter addressed to Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal, community representatives expressed concern over the potential shutdown of the Consulate General of Nepal in San Francisco, which they described as a “landmark achievement” for Nepalis living in California and surrounding states.
The community stated that the consulate has played a vital role in providing essential services such as passport processing, document attestation, NRN identity support, and emergency consular assistance. According to the letter, closing the mission would force Nepali citizens to travel long distances to Washington, D.C. or New York, creating financial and logistical burdens, especially for students, workers, elderly residents, and families facing urgent needs.
The diaspora also highlighted that the establishment of the San Francisco consulate was the result of years of advocacy and collective effort by Nepali community organizations in the Bay Area. They described the office as an important symbol of Nepal’s engagement with its global diaspora and a key diplomatic bridge with the United States West Coast, a major hub for technology, innovation, and investment.
While expressing concern over possible closure, community members proposed alternatives such as downsizing the office, relocating it to a more cost-efficient nearby city, or adopting a leaner operational model. They also said they remain open to consultation with the Nepali government to find a practical solution.
The Nepali government has not yet issued an official public statement confirming the future status of the San Francisco consulate. The issue has sparked growing discussion among diaspora organizations and community leaders across the United States.
