Kathmandu | Nepalese Voice

The Nepal Government has signalled that it is preparing to make Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship fully operational, addressing long-standing concerns from Nepalis living overseas who have been unable to fully utilise the rights granted under the Constitution.

Speaking in Nepal's National Assembly during discussions on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' budget allocation, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the government is actively working to ensure that NRN citizenship becomes practical rather than remaining only a legal provision.

Minister Khanal acknowledged that while many eligible Nepalis have already received NRN citizenship under Nepal's Constitution and citizenship laws, administrative and legal barriers have prevented holders from enjoying its intended benefits.

"The Constitution guarantees citizenship to Non-Resident Nepalis residing outside South Asia for up to three generations, allowing them to enjoy social, economic and cultural rights, except political rights," he told Parliament.

He said the government has already issued such citizenship certificates, but admitted that they have yet to be effectively implemented in practice.

"The citizenship has been issued, but it has not been brought into practical use. This is something we have to address seriously," the Foreign Minister said, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to remove the obstacles preventing NRN citizens from exercising the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Minister Khanal also conceded that the government had taken longer than expected to make the system fully functional.

The announcement is expected to be welcomed by Australia's large and growing Nepali community, many of whom have obtained Australian citizenship while maintaining strong personal, family and financial ties with Nepal.

For years, many NRNs have complained that although they were granted NRN citizenship, they continued to face difficulties accessing services due to unclear procedures and the lack of supporting regulations.

Making NRN citizenship fully operational could provide greater certainty for thousands of Nepalis in Australia seeking to invest in Nepal, conduct business, manage family property and strengthen their long-term connection with their country of origin.

The latest commitment from the Foreign Minister suggests the government recognises the gap between the constitutional provision and its real-world application.

For the Nepali diaspora in Australia, the government's commitment represents another important step towards recognising the economic and social contribution of overseas Nepalis.

However, the real test will be whether the government can introduce the necessary legal, administrative and technological changes that allow NRN citizenship holders to actually access the rights promised under Nepal's Constitution. Until then, many overseas Nepalis will continue to wait for the practical benefits of a status they have already been granted.