Challenges in Nepal’s NRN Citizenship: 100,000 Eligible Nepali-Americans

Currently, nearly 100,000 Nepali-Americans, including US-born Persons of Nepali Origin, are eligible for NRN citizenship.

Nepal has recently introduced new regulations under the amended Citizenship Act of 2006, marking a significant step for Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) aiming to reestablish their citizenship ties. This move, ratified by President Ramchandra Paudel, aims to broaden the scope of citizenship rights for NRNs, highlighting the nation’s acknowledgment of the diaspora’s ongoing connection to their homeland.

Overview of the Amended Citizenship Act

The amended Citizenship Act facilitates immediate citizenship for children of Nepalis who acquired citizenship by birth before 2015. A key provision, Section 7, outlines that NRNs who have acquired citizenship in non-SAARC countries can claim Nepali citizenship if they can prove their lineage and renounce any prior Nepali citizenship.

Rights and Restrictions for NRNs

NRNs granted citizenship under the new rules can own property and engage in business within Nepal but are restricted from voting, participating in political activities, or holding government positions. This ensures they enjoy socio-economic benefits while maintaining political activities exclusive to resident citizens.

The Application Process

The application process for NRN citizenship involves submitting required documents at a District Administration Office in Nepal or through Nepali diplomatic missions abroad. The process is designed to confirm the applicant’s commitment to Nepal’s national interests through verification steps and a swearing-in ceremony.

Obtaining Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship can be a valuable way for Nepalis living abroad to maintain their ties to their homeland. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for NRN citizenship, including the necessary documents and procedures.

Key Authorities and Where to Apply

• Within Nepal: Apply at the District Administration Office (DAO) of the district where Nepali citizenship was previously issued to the applicant or their ancestors.
• Abroad: Applications can be submitted through the Embassy of Nepal or a Consulate General office of Nepal in the country where the applicant resides. (The process has yet to start. Right now, you can’t apply from abroad.)

Required Documents for NRN Citizenship

To apply for NRN citizenship, the following documents are necessary:

1. Application Form: Available at the DAO.
2. Citizenship Renunciation Letter: This is required if the applicant previously held Nepali citizenship. It must be obtained from the DAO where the original citizenship was issued.
3. Proof of Citizenship: Copies of the citizenship documents of the applicant’s parents or grandparents.
4. Foreign Passport and Citizenship Proof: A copy of the applicant’s current foreign passport and citizenship documentation.
5. Previous Nepali Citizenship and Passport: If applicable, copies of any previous Nepali citizenship certificates and passports.
6. NRN Card: If previously issued, a copy of the NRN card.
7. Photographs: Passport size photos of the applicant.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Filing the Application

• Submit the application along with all required documents  at the DAO.

Step 2: Citizenship Renunciation Letter

• If previously a Nepali citizen, obtain a letter confirming the renunciation of Nepali citizenship.

Step 3: Local Recommendation

• Obtain a recommendation letter from the relevant ward office in Nepal.

Step 4: Verification by Relatives

• Have a Nepali relative verify the applicant’s identity and heritage before the DAO.

Step 5: Final Approval

• Once all documents are verified and requirements are met, NRN citizenship is usually granted on the same day of submission.

Grounds for Cancellation of NRN Citizenship

NRN citizenship may be revoked if:

• False information was submitted during the application process.
• The NRN citizenship holder is convicted of acts against the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national interests of Nepal.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite these positive steps, the practical application of NRN citizenship has faced significant hurdles. Recent reports indicate that both immigration at ports of entry and land revenue offices have not recognized NRN citizenship effectively. This has rendered the NRN passport somewhat ineffective for Nepalis living overseas, reducing it to merely a symbolic document rather than a functional one.

This issue stems from conflicting laws and regulations, which have led to a lack of recognition for NRN citizenship in day-to-day administrative and business activities. Nearly 10 government agencies are reportedly working to align their laws and regulations to make NRN citizenship fully operational across all platforms.

Community Response and Future Outlook

While many NRNs have welcomed the opportunity to reconnect with their heritage through citizenship, there is a palpable concern among the community regarding the citizenship’s classification as non-descent, which could potentially affect their descendants’ relationship with the state.

The future of NRN citizenship hinges on the effective resolution of these regulatory conflicts. There is a strong hope within the community that these adjustments will be implemented swiftly, enhancing the practical utility of NRN citizenship and truly honoring the contributions and heritage of the Nepali diaspora.

While Nepal’s effort to include its global citizens through NRN citizenship is a commendable step toward inclusivity, the effectiveness of this initiative will ultimately depend on the seamless integration of these new regulations into the existing bureaucratic framework. The ongoing efforts to smooth out these issues are critical to ensuring that NRN citizenship becomes more than just a nominal recognition, transforming it into a valuable asset for Nepalis worldwide.