Home Minister Ramesh Lekh has stated that the issues surrounding the full implementation of the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship will be resolved soon.

During an interaction with a delegation led by Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) President Badri KC, Home Minister Lekh expressed commitment that the complexities in the full implementation of NRN citizenship would be addressed in the upcoming (winter) session of Parliament.

“The government will present amendments to more than a dozen laws in Parliament after thorough discussions to resolve the existing issues in Nepal’s laws, including the implementation of NRN citizenship, as well as problems related to immigration, land registration, company operations, banks, and other practical areas. Most of these issues will be resolved in this session,” he said.

Earlier, President KC had pointed out that although the government had started granting NRN citizenship to Nepalis living abroad, the lack of constitutional implementation had left those who had already acquired or were in the process of acquiring NRN citizenship feeling disheartened.

During the meeting, President KC also highlighted that the lack of NRN citizenship created obstacles for investment in Nepal.

In response, Home Minister Lekh assured that the government was preparing to bring nearly a dozen bills in Parliament to amend laws and create a more investment-friendly environment in Nepal.

“The government should encourage investment, but you all are coming forward to invest in your own country. We will present amendments to the existing laws and regulations in Parliament,” he said.

KC also drew attention to the need for identification cards for Nepali-origin individuals and families who have been living abroad for generations and are citizens of other countries, so they can be recognized as Nepali.

“The Law Ministry has started working on providing a separate identity card for foreign citizens of Nepali origin who do not fall under the NRN category. The government is positive about this,” Home Minister Lekh stated.