Challenges for Consulate General Sanjeev Sharma and the Community’s Expectations

The newly opened Consulate General office of Nepal in Sydney marks a significant milestone for Nepal’s diplomatic presence in Australia. Under the leadership of Consulate General Sanjeev Sharma, the office promises to streamline vital services for the growing Nepalese community, including passport renewals, visa applications, and community support. Sharma’s vision includes enhancing Nepalese-Australian relations through direct air links, efficient consular services, and a future permanent embassy building. With high expectations from the community, Sharma is set to address key issues such as employment, education, and social welfare, while continuing the work initiated by former Consulate General Dipak Khadka. The new office stands as a bridge for both the Nepalese diaspora and those seeking connections with Nepal, paving the way for a stronger bilateral relationship.

Sanjeev Sharma: The Consulate General with a Vision
Leading the new consulate office is Sanjeev Sharma, who has taken on the role of Consulate General for New South Wales with a clear vision to enhance services for the Nepalese community. In his opening remarks, Sharma expressed his commitment to improving the quality of consulate services and ensuring that the needs of the people are prioritized.

“I believe this office will not only cater to the Nepalese community but also extend its services to Australians and foreigners who wish to travel to Nepal,” Sharma said during the inauguration. His leadership is poised to bring about a transformation in how the Nepalese diaspora engages with their home country. His goals include facilitating direct air links between Nepal and Australia, enhancing the efficiency of consular operations, and working towards the construction of a permanent embassy building – a vision shared by many in the community.

Sharma’s appointment is seen as a turning point. His active role in the community, his understanding of the complexities of consular services, and his vision for a more connected Nepalese-Australian relationship set high expectations. With the backing of the local community, Sharma is seen as someone who will not only carry out routine consular duties but also engage with the issues affecting Nepalese nationals living abroad, such as employment, education, and social welfare.
The Community’s Expectations
The community’s expectations from the new consulate office are high. Many community leaders and members see the establishment of the office as a much-needed resource to tackle the challenges faced by the Nepalese diaspora. Vishnu Hamal, Secretary-General of FENKA, expressed hope that the office would help address long-standing issues within the community, from legal matters to cultural integration, and would play a key role in improving the welfare of Nepalese living in New South Wales.

Former Consulate General Dipak Khadka, who served for over a decade in the region and established the initial consulate office in North Sydney, also voiced his optimism, wishing Sharma success in achieving meaningful outcomes in his tenure. His legacy of establishing a strong community connection through consular services sets a high bar, and now, under Sharma’s leadership, many hope to see a continuation of this work.

Anil Pokhrel, President of NRNA Australia, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the Nepalese community has grown in size and diversity. He believes that with Sharma’s leadership, the consulate can continue to build bridges, enhance collaboration with organizations like NRNA, and provide essential services such as the successful management of passport mobile camps.