The government has introduced a new standard regarding the appointment of non-paid Nepali Consuls/Consuls General (Honorary Consul and Honorary Consul General) abroad. According to the new standards, a person who is appointed as a Nepali unpaid consul of any country should have been a permanent resident of the respective country for at least ten years.

The government has made such provision by amending the regulations on unpaid consuls. In addition, the provision that the person who wants to be appointed should declare himself to stay in the designated area throughout the working period has also been kept in the new standard. 

Previously, the qualification required to be an unpaid consul or consul general was that one must have resided in the designated consular jurisdiction for at least 6 months a year. By amending it, a new rule has been made that requires permanent residence in the relevant area for at least ten years and stays throughout the tenure. As per the new arrangement, unpaid Consul/Consul General will have to open an office compulsorily. In the Unpaid Consular Regulations, 2039, the subject of opening an office was optional.

The qualifications of an unpaid consul must include a good knowledge of the English language and the local language of the consular area. The educational qualification of at least graduation from a recognized university has been retained. However, in the case of a person who has already been a consul for at least one term on behalf of any country, such educational qualification is not mandatory.

Other options have been opened by keeping the old rule that non-paid consuls are not appointed to citizens of countries other than citizens of countries located in commercial areas. It is said that a person who has worked as an unpaid consul of a country among the citizens of a country that has established diplomatic relations with Nepal can be appointed as such. Similarly, foreign nationals of Nepali origin and non-resident Nepalis who have been permanently residing in the consular area for at least ten years are said to be eligible for appointment. 

Four new topics related to disqualification have been added to the revised rules. According to which, a person who has filed a case against the government of Nepal, has become a refugee and obtained citizenship or residence permit of the respective country will be considered ineligible for unpaid consulship.

Similarly, the new regulation mentions that a person who has committed an act against the unity, tolerance or harmony of the Nepalese community abroad and who has been found guilty of a criminal offense or money laundering related offense by a court of any country will be ineligible for consulship. 

Consuls have to work to promote the economic interests of Nepal, including the export of Nepali goods or services. It is said that unpaid consuls should send a monthly statement of income and expenses of service fees received while providing visa services to the ambassador.

There is a provision that honorary consuls can be appointed on the recommendation of the ambassador to the respective country where there is no resident mission. The person who gets such appointment does not get any kind of remuneration. Nepal has appointed non-paid Consul General/Consul in more than 50 places including capitals and cities of different countries.

Similarly, some amendments have been made in the arrangement of any country appointing an unpaid consul in Nepal. There is a provision that a friendly country can appoint Nepali citizens as unpaid consuls in Nepal. A condition has been added that the Nepali citizens who will be appointed should have paid the tax of the previous financial year.

Similarly, it is also stipulated that the person who does not hold a position of regular salary, pension, vacation or other benefits from the Nepal government, state government or local level.

In the new standard, it is said that the facilities, concessions and immunity obtained by the unpaid consul appointed in Nepal will not be provided to his family members or employees working in his office. Similarly, a new rule has been introduced that the flag of the respective country can be kept on the vehicle used by the consul only when he participates in the official program related to the friendly country he represents.