KATHMANDU, MAY 4
A demand has been raised for the provision of citizenship with economic, social, and cultural rights for Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs), in line with the constitutional guarantees.
During a panel discussion held as part of the Non-Resident Nepali Association's (NRNA) Unity Convention today, participants voiced concern over the non-implementation of citizenship rights for NRNs as enshrined in the Constitution.
Former NRNA President Kul Acharya remarked that the citizenship currently granted to NRNs is limited to travel privileges and does not extend to broader rights. He noted that several South Asian countries, including India, have already adopted dual citizenship provisions for their diaspora communities.
Khagendra GC, an NRN advocate based in the United States, stated that the government's reluctance to extend economic rights to NRNs has hindered their ability to pursue investment and business opportunities in Nepal.
NRN leader AC Sherpa emphasized that the issue of NRN citizenship affects Nepalis living in 84 countries and must be addressed by the Government of Nepal.
Senior advocate Balkrishna Neupane informed the panel that 72 countries around the world currently recognize dual citizenship. He argued that repealing Clause 10 of the Citizenship Act, 2063 BS, would help create a more investment-friendly environment in Nepal.
NRNA UK Chairperson Prem Gaha Magar highlighted that many Nepalis abroad hold second-class citizenship-either naturalized or by birth-which can be revoked during times of crisis. He stressed that Nepal should not deny its diaspora the right to citizenship by descent.
Other panelists advocating for full citizenship rights for NRNs included advocate Kapil Dhakal, UK-based legal practitioner Surendra Shrestha, former NRNA Vice President Rabina Thapa, and NRN leader Yogendra Bahadur Chhetri.
In response, Pushkar Nepal, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, assured the panel that efforts would be made to incorporate NRN concerns in upcoming legal reforms.
