As of February 2025, about 6,500
Bhutanese refugees still reside in the camps of Beldangi in Jhapa District and
PathariSanischare in Morang District, Eastern Nepal. These refugees, mostly
elderly or infirm, are among the few remaining in Nepal following large-scale
third-country resettlement initiatives between 2007 and 2016. During this time,
over 113,000 refugees were relocated to countries such as the United States,
Canada, and Australia, offering them a hopeful future. However, for those who
remain, life is fraught with difficulties, compounded by the end of
international aid and growing concerns about their long-term prospects.
In the absence of formal support, many refugees have sought informal employment. However, this has often led to exploitation, as they are forced into low-paying, hazardous jobs with no legal protections. This vulnerability is worsened by their lack of legal status and the constant threat of detention or deportation.
In a controversial move, the Nepalese government renamed the refugee camps as "Bhutanese Refugee Settlements." While the government insists that this rebranding is part of a broader effort to support integration and livelihood improvements for the refugees, many in the refugee community view it as a worrying development. The renaming was done without adequate consultation with the refugees themselves, leading to fears of forced assimilation and the eventual erasure of their Bhutanese identity.
Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, many Bhutanese refugees continue to yearn for repatriation. For them, returning to Bhutan with full citizenship rights remains the goal. However, this remains a distant hope as Bhutan has been reluctant to accept its displaced citizens, and diplomatic inertia has impeded any significant progress.However, progress has been slow due to Bhutan’s continued reluctance to repatriate refugees and India’s indirect involvement in the issue. The absence of strong international pressure on Bhutan has further stifled any potential for resolution.
The refugee community remains steadfast in their belief that repatriation is the only way to restore their dignity and rights. Despite years of waiting and a lack of action on the part of Bhutan, many refugees still hold on to the hope that one day, they will be able to return to their homeland as citizens, with all the rights that entails.
In recent years, a scandal involving fraudulent Bhutanese refugee claims has deepened the crisis. Investigations uncovered fake refugees registered in Nepal, leading to widespread corruption. Several high-profile political figures were arrested, damaging the credibility of the refugee registration process.This corruption has not only diverted attention from the real plight of genuine Bhutanese refugees but has also tarnished the reputation of those who are legitimately seeking refuge. As a result, it has become more challenging for advocates to push for the rights and resettlement of the true refugee population, as public perception has been clouded by the scandal.
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the remaining Bhutanese refugees, a few international organizations continue to provide essential support.Although the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) ended its direct aid in 2016, it continues to collaborate with the Nepalese government to ensure the protection of refugees. This partnership focuses on providing legal identity documentation and supporting livelihood programs designed to help refugees integrate into public services and national development plans, though these efforts remain limited in scope.Other international aid agencies have also been instrumental in addressing food security within the refugee camps. Even though the number of refugees has decreased due to resettlement, these organizations remain crucial in providing assistance to those who continue to reside in the camps.Despite these efforts, the long-term prospects for the remaining refugees remain uncertain. A more comprehensive and sustainable solution is urgently needed—one that addresses their legal status, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, ensuring a better future for these individuals.
The plight of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal demands a collaborative effort from national, regional, and international stakeholders to find a lasting solution.First, Nepal must continue to advocate for trilateral talks with Bhutan and India, aiming to negotiate a repatriation process that allows refugees to return with full citizenship and dignity. International pressure, particularly from UN bodies and human rights organizations, is crucial in encouraging Bhutan to take back its displaced citizens.
Second, while resettlement opportunities in third countries are limited, exploring alternative options, such as in the European Union, could provide hope for refugees who cannot return to Bhutan.
Additionally, stronger support for refugees' livelihoods and education is essential. The Nepalese government, alongside international organizations, must enhance programs to ensure refugees have access to education and work opportunities, preventing them from becoming permanently marginalized.
Lastly, combating corruption and fraudulent claims is key to restoring public trust. By prioritizing transparency and accountability in refugee management, Nepal can ensure genuine refugees are not further disadvantaged by the system.
The situation of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal remains one of uncertainty, with the remaining approximately 6,500 individuals facing an uncertain future. The cessation of international aid, the renaming of the refugee camps, and the challenges of repatriation have all contributed to a sense of stagnation. However, through sustained diplomatic efforts, a commitment to repatriation, and a focus on livelihoods and education, there is hope for a more sustainable future for the remaining refugees. International support remains critical in addressing their needs and ensuring they are not forgotten.