Nepal’s remaining Bhutanese refugees seek legal recognition
Summary
Thousands of remaining Bhutanese refugees in eastern Nepal are still waiting for legal recognition, leaving them unable to work, study, open bank accounts, or access basic opportunities after more than three decades in the camps. A new report urges identity documents and a clear legal path to residence or citizenship for long-term residents born in Nepal.
Key Points
- Local authorities say 6,365 Bhutanese refugees remain in camps and settlements in Jhapa and Morang without legal identity documents or full rights in Nepal.
- The lack of recognised documents blocks access to jobs, banking, business registration, higher education, professional licences, healthcare, and travel.
- A Peace Initiative Bhutan report calls for immediate identity cards and a long-term legal route to permanent residence or citizenship.
- Community representatives say repatriation, family reunification, and legal recognition remain unresolved more than 30 years after the refugees fled Bhutan.
