ESEA Community Centre Strengthens Ties with Nepali Diaspora
Centre mobilises support for Nepal flood victims and builds lasting partnerships with UK Nepali community
The ESEA Community Centre (ESACC) has announced significant progress in building relationships with the Nepali diaspora in the United Kingdom, following a series of community engagement initiatives and disaster relief efforts. The outreach was made possible through the instrumental support of Mr. Sean Eric McLean Hotung, a patron of the Hong Kong British Legion.
A Historic Connection
Nepali Gurkhas have served with distinction in the British military since 1815, with many stationed in Hong Kong during British administration. Prior to 2009, only Commonwealth citizens or citizens of the Irish Republic who retired from the British Army were entitled to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. As Nepal is not part of the Commonwealth, Gurkha veterans—despite more than 200 years of loyal service—were unable to settle in the UK upon retirement.
Many Gurkha soldiers had been stationed in Hong Kong prior to the 1997 Handover, and numerous others settled there after retiring from the army. However, the 1997 Handover did not confer permanent residency or citizenship in the Hong Kong SAR or China to Nepali Gurkhas or their descendants.
Actress Joanna Lumley's high-profile Gurkha Justice Campaign in 2008 and 2009, successfully secured the right for all retired Nepalese Gurkha veterans to settle permanently in the UK. Consequently, the Nepali population in the UK grew from 5,943 in the 2001 census to more than 103,000 in the 2021 census - a 17-fold increase. Many in the UK's Nepali diaspora had been stationed in or resided in Hong Kong for extended periods before retiring to the UK, and many speak Cantonese and maintain strong relationships with the Hong Kong community in Britain.
Building Bridges
Mr. Hotung's longstanding relationship with the British Legion proved instrumental in connecting the ESEA Community Centre with senior Nepali military leadership, who in turn facilitated introductions to Nepali community leaders across the UK.
"When Mr. and Mrs. Hotung attended the Grand Opening of the ESEA Community Centre on 9 May 2026, he introduced several Nepali community leaders from Nepal and the UK to the centre," said David Tam, centre manager of ESEA Community Centre. "That introduction was the catalyst for the meaningful partnerships we are building today."
A Tragic Turn
In August, the Tamu Dhee Association, UK, extended an invitation to ESEA Community Centre to attend the 17th Nepali Mela 2026, held on 30 August at Kempton Park. The Nepali Mela is a large-scale annual community event, typically held on the last Sunday of August, bringing together thousands of Nepali attendees to demonstrate the diaspora's unity and commitment.
ESEACC accepted the invitation and prepared to attend with staff members and trustees to begin building community relationships. Unexpectedly, in the early morning of 26 August (8:40 am China time, 1:40 am BST), a severe flood swept through the border region of China and Nepal, resulting in severe casualties.
What was originally planned as a community-building trip transformed into a canvassing session with Nepali leaders at the Mela, focused on imminent relief efforts for victims in Nepal and, in the longer term, helping Nepali communities secure welfare protection, housing benefits, and livelihood support in the UK. In light of the catastrophic circumstances, the Mela took on a sombre atmosphere.
Relief and Solidarity
In response to the disaster, ESEA Community Centre has made donations to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. Additionally, David represented the Centre in visiting the Nepal Buddhist Temple at Woolwich on 1 September. He expressed condolences on behalf of ESEA Community Centre to disaster victims, and held comprehensive discussions with Mr. Sumal K. Gurung, President of the Nepal Buddhist Temple, during the visit. They explored the scope and mission of relief efforts, and prepared for the establishment of a cultural and community integration framework between Nepali groups and ESEA heritage.
Ongoing Partnership
On 16 September, senior members of the Tamu Dhee Association including the President Jumkaji, Vice President Kamel Gurung, and General Secretary Dr. Brishal visited ESEA Community Centre and joined the team for lunch. Discussions focused on analysing the welfare, pension, housing, and other needs of the Nepali community, particularly elderly women. ESEA Community Centre advised the delegation on using funding and resources granted by Independent Age to support their work.
The two organisations also explored the possibility of organising joint cultural and community events. As leading figures of the Tamu Dhee Association travelled to Kathmandu to meet government officials and assist in relief efforts, further liaison and preparation work is scheduled to take place later this month.