The Government of Nepal has initiated the process of granting citizenship certificates to non-resident Nepalis (NRNs), allowing them to hold NRN citizenship.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal presented these certificates to the Executive President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Badri KC, and NRNA President Kul Acharya during an event at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Baluwatar.

The District Administration Offices in Kathmandu and Parbat issued these certificates in accordance with Article 14 of the Constitution of Nepal, which was further facilitated by an amendment to the Nepal Citizenship Act.

This move grants NRNs economic, social, and cultural rights. The government plans to distribute NRN citizenship certificates in all 77 districts, enabling NRNs to apply for them starting immediately. The NRNA had advocated for this citizenship provision for an extended period.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) emphasized the effort to include NRNs’ rights in the Constitution. Policies, including lowering the foreign investment threshold, have been implemented.

The government also aims to expand social security fund for workers abroad. Over 300 thousand laborers have already joined.