MoFA expands diplomatic cadre with 67 new foreign service officers

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has significantly boosted its diplomatic workforce with the appointment of 67 new foreign service officers, the largest intake in the ministry’s history.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai handed over appointment letters to the new officers and highlighted their role in advancing Nepal’s national interests abroad amid growing global competition.

Of the 67 appointed officers, 27 are women, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion within the diplomatic service.

The latest intake builds on the government’s last year’s decisions to expand capacity at MoFA through 111 additional posts in operations and maintenance (O&M) allocations, prompting the PSC to announce a larger number of vacancies than usual. 

Historical data show that MoFA has traditionally maintained a smaller cadre of foreign service officers relative to its expanding diplomatic network.

According to ministry records, Nepal’s Foreign Service was formally established under separate regulations following amendments to the Civil Service Act in 2007, creating a dedicated service stream for diplomatic personnel.

Currently, the ministry is staffed by more than 400 officials, with nearly 278 drawn from the Nepal Foreign Service, reflecting gradual career growth and specialisation in foreign affairs.

The country’s diplomatic presence abroad has expanded, with the number of missions reaching 44 (31 embassies, 3 permanent missions and 10 consulates general).

Diplomats and observers say the expansion of posts and recruitment in recent years aligns with Nepal’s need to deepen engagement in multilateral forums, expand economic diplomacy and provide consular services for an increasing Nepali diaspora.

The newly inducted officers are expected to take up postings both at MoFA headquarters and at Nepal’s expanding network of missions abroad, which now includes embassies, permanent missions and consulates general covering multiple regions worldwide.