Introduction / History

The Nepalese who came to live in Hong Kong were Gurkhas who were part of the British military. They began service in the British military in the nineteenth century. When China became rulers of Hong Kong in 1997, they allowed the Nepali Gurkhas to stay.

The Nepalese started coming to Hong Kong in the 1970s. They are growing in numbers and have their own NGOs that help the Nepalese in Hong Kong. Though they have Hong Kong identity, they are classed as Nepalese nationals.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many of the Nepalese are building workers and security guards. A lot of them live in the Yau Tsim Mong and Yuen Long regions. They live mostly in housing for large families as they like to stay together as a community. The Nepalese have their own newspapers in Nepalese such as Everest Weekly.

The Nepalese have different ethnic languages as well as speaking in Nepali. Nepalese students can apply for welfare help with their education, though there is no guarantee their education will get them work afterwards. The Nepalese workers tend to earn lower pay than native Hong Kong workers. There are also language differences that cause problems. Many Nepalese cannot speak Cantonese well.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nepalis are largely Hindus, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods hoping to gain protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

What Are Their Needs?

Their greatest need is to know their creator God, who has made provisions for the penalty of their sins so they can have a lifechanging relationship with him.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will give them dreams and visions leading them to Jesus Christ.

Pray that gospel materials and the internet will lead them to salvation.

Pray for the Nepalis to have a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the empty cross.

Pray for workers.

Scripture Prayers for the Nepali, general in China, Hong Kong.

References

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepalis