Kathmandu, December 27

The representative of Non-Resident Nepalis as well as its founding chairperson Uprendra Mahato and the incumbent Chairperson Bhaban Bhatta suggested at a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives today that lawmakers address their concerns in the citizenship bill.

The bill is in the panel for a clause-wise discussion.

Mahato requested that the bill address NRN concerns, which was also included in the constitution. He said that the NRN were satisfied with the provision in the constitution. According to the constitution, the NRN can enjoy economic, social and cultural rights but not political rights. He said there should be clear provision for them to get NRN-citizenship certificate in the bill.

“It would be easy for us to get NRN-citizenship in the respective countries where we live, like we are getting a passport now. We send all the documents from the respective missions and get back our passport,” he said, adding, the government could give the NRN-citizenship from the respective countries.

Other NRN representative also said that it would be easy for them if the government of Nepal allowed them to take NRN-citizenship from their respective districts, Ministry of Home Affairs and foreign missions.

Chairperson Bhatta said that the NRN want to work with Nepal government and help develop the country.