We, the individuals having Nepalese origin and holding citizenship of Portugal, currently residing in different parts of Norway, hereby promulgate this constitution of Nepalese Portuguese Society, Norway. The organization is a result of discussions held among ourselves and is based upon our shared aspirations of fraternity and cordial relationship among members along with their families.
This organization shall be an apolitical organization and aspire for strengthening and maintaining mutual relationships among its members and families, as well as recognize the existence, importance and interests of other extant Nepalese organizations in Norway.
We strive to engage in humanitarian and welfare activities while retaining our close attachment with Portugal.
This organization was founded following separate gathering of its stakeholders in Oslo on April 01 and July 28, 2013, and shall be registered under competent governmental agency in Norway and operate under the premises of the relevant Norwegian regulations.
The name of this organization shall be ‘Nepalese Portuguese Society in Norway’, abbreviated as ‘NEPOS’.
The applicable name in Nepalese language shall be ‘नेपाली पोर्तुगिज समाज, नर्बे’.
This document shall be referred to as the ‘Constitution of the Nepalese Portuguese Society in Norway’.
This constitution was endorsed by the 2/3 majority of the ad hoc committee of the organization formed by a gathering in December 2013.
‘Constitution’ hereunder shall refer to the constitution of the Nepalese Portuguese Society in Norway, 2013.
‘Society/Societal concept’ means holders of Portuguese citizens who have Nepalese origin and their family who are bound with mutual interests of fraternity and welfare.
The societal concept encompasses apolitical identity and acknowledges the importance of and strives to collaborate with extant organizations of Nepali people in Norway and Portugal.
‘General assembly’ refers to regular annual meeting of its members in which annual report including report of financial activities are presented and discussed, and future activities are framed.
‘General members’ or ‘GA’ refers to the holders of the Society’s membership who abide by the constitution and regulations of this organization.
‘Committee’ refers to the executive committee of the Society formed according to this constitution.
Executive members are members of the executive committee formed by the annual general assembly.
The aim of this Society is to maintain the shared emotional attachment of its members with Portugal.
The Society will strive to inform all its members and relevant stakeholders the news, regulatory amendments and relevant information pertaining to the Portuguese citizenship and immigration.
The Society will extend support to the members within its framework in situations of difficulties and various problems.
The Society will also collaborate with other organizations of Nepalese people in Norway and Portugal and engage actively in humanitarian and welfare activities.
The Society will convene meetings and activities to reach its objectives.
The stamp, logo and flag of this Society will be endorsed by the GA as deemed necessary.
The authentic offices of this Society will be based in Oslo, Norway.
General Member:
Holders of Portuguese citizenship who have Nepalese origin and are currently settled and/or residing within Norway that are over 18 years of age as well as their family members shall be eligible members of the Society.
Registered Member:
Individuals who have submitted the designated form for membership and paid membership fees shall be the registered members of the Society; they will have rights to participate in the formation of the executive committee.
Other Members:
Other individuals endorsed by the executive committee may obtain membership status as deemed necessary after hearing from the GA and endorsed by the assembly.
Fees for registration and duration of the membership shall be as determined by the executive committee.
Membership shall be renewed at least 1 month before the expiry of the current membership.
One of the following conditions will apply:
• Upon the executive committee’s approval of membership renunciation by the concerned individual
• Severe mental illness
• Failure to renew membership status within the deadline
• Barred by the executive committee upon documented non-compliance with the Society’s constitution
GA shall elect an executive committee with tenure of 2 years.
Any eligible and registered member of the Society, regardless of place of residence within Norway, and endorsed by the GA shall be members of the executive committee.
The committee will constitute of:
• Chairperson – 1
• Vice-chairperson – 2
• Secretary – 1
• Treasurer – 1
• Member – 4 to 8
The EC shall convene a regular General assembly meeting annually.
A minimum of 25% of registered members may request the EC to convene a general assembly at any time.
A two-third majority of registered members attending general assembly can terminate the executive committee by a vote of no confidence.
The EC terminated in such circumstance shall be replaced by a new EC within two months according to the constitutional provision.
During the interim period, a co-ordination committee shall be formed by mutual understanding of the members.
The chairperson shall chair the Society’s meetings and other gatherings organized by the Society and/or appoint other members to do so as necessary.
The chairperson shall represent and lead the Society in its activities and engagements as well as implement the Society’s plans.
The vice-chairperson will exercise the duties, responsibilities and rights of the chairperson in her/his absence.
The secretary will be responsible for documenting and keeping records of the meeting minutes, and inform the members.
The secretary shall disseminate information of the Society’s activities and prepare annual reports to be presented in the GA.
The treasurer will maintain accounts of the Society, keep transparent financial records, and prepare annual financial reports for the GA.
Members of the EC shall regularly participate in meetings, implement decisions, contribute to action-plans and help reach the Society’s objectives.
The EC shall form an election committee three months prior to the termination of its tenure.
The election committee will be responsible for preparing the procedure and conducting election of the new EC.
The EC shall appoint individuals as advisors to the committee valid for its tenure.
The EC may form committees and sub-committees as deemed necessary.
The central fund for the Society will be created and presented by the EC in the GA to be endorsed by the GA.
The maintenance of the Society’s funds will be as per the discussion and decision of the GA.
The economic activities of the Society shall be endorsed by the GA.
The EC meetings shall be compulsorily attended by all the EC members.
Decisions shall be made by majority of more than 50%.
The quorum for meetings will require attendance of at least 50% of the members.
The chairperson shall make final decisions in case of indecision.
Any EC member will automatically be expelled from the committee in case of three consecutive absences without prior notice.
This constitution may be amended as required.
The amendment proposal must be presented in the GA and endorsed by a majority of members present.
Any clause contradicting applicable Norwegian laws shall be void.
The Society shall run its activities in compliance with the Society’s constitution and the Norwegian laws.