4th May 2025, Kathmandu
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) held its Unity Convention, with a major focus on dual citizenship. The discussion centered on the need to grant Nepali citizens living abroad full economic, social, and cultural rights.
NRNA Unity Convention
Citizenship Rights for NRNs
At the event, various speakers raised concerns about the lack of citizenship rights for Non-Resident Nepalese (NRNs). Former NRNA President, Kula Acharya, noted that NRNs can visit Nepal but cannot enjoy rights such as voting or property ownership. He compared this situation with countries like India, which allow dual citizenship.
Khagendra Jisi, an NRNA leader based in the United States, emphasized that the lack of citizenship rights is preventing NRNs from investing in Nepal. Without citizenship, NRNs are hesitant to contribute to Nepal’s economic development. NRNA leader A.C. Sherpa highlighted that NRNs in 84 countries face issues due to the lack of citizenship.
Call for Dual Citizenship
Senior Advocate Balakrishna Neupane pointed out that 72 countries offer dual citizenship. He suggested removing Clause 10 of Nepal’s Citizenship Act of 2063 to improve the investment climate in the country. This change could attract more foreign capital and benefit Nepal’s economy.
Premgaha Magar, the NRNA UK President, discussed how many Nepali migrants abroad, who hold adopted or naturalized foreign citizenship, face difficulties.
He explained that if these individuals encounter challenges in their host countries, they may lose their adopted or naturalized citizenship. This leaves them in a vulnerable position. Magar argued that Nepal should protect the citizenship rights of such individuals, as they are descendants of Nepali citizens.
Legal Challenges and Delayed Implementation
Advocate Kapil Dhakal criticized the delay in implementing the provisions of the NRNA Act, which aims to grant NRNs citizenship with full rights. Despite the legal framework, nothing substantial has been done to execute these provisions. Captain Hitman Gurung, another NRNA leader, urged the government to take the concerns of NRNs seriously, especially when they wish to invest in Nepal.
Legal expert Surendra Shrestha pointed out that Nepal’s Citizenship Act of 2020 still states that individuals who acquire a foreign nationality lose their Nepali citizenship. This provision has been maintained in recent laws, further complicating the issue for NRNs.
The Need for Reform
Ravina Thapa, former NRNA President, expressed frustration over the political system in Nepal. She pointed out that protests are often the only way to be heard. She stressed that NRNs’ rights should be addressed through legal channels, not through demonstrations. Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi agreed, emphasizing that both the NRNA Act and the Constitution’s provisions for NRNs need to be enforced.
Pushkar Nepal, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, assured that a new law is under development. He committed to incorporating the issues raised by NRNs into the new legislation. Dr. Balram Shrestha, an advocate for NRNs, welcomed the potential for NRNs with knowledge, skills, and capital to gain citizenship. This could contribute to Nepal’s development.
New NRNA Leadership Announced
The NRNA Unity Convention concluded with the election of a new leadership team, led by senior businessman Mahesh Kumar Shrestha. The election was smooth, with no opposition for any of the positions. Senior Advocate Gopal Krishna Ghimire, Chief Commissioner of the Election Commission, confirmed that the leadership was selected unanimously.
The new leadership includes:
President: Mahesh Kumar Shrestha
Vice Presidents: Sunil Kumar Sah, Buddhisagar Subedi, Khagendra Nyaupane, Lokprasad Dahal, Manoj Kumar Shrestha (Gorkhali), Bishwas Deep Limbu (Tigela)
Vice President (Women): Junu Gurung
General Secretary: Baburam (B.R.) Lama
Secretaries: Chintamani Sapkota, Tank Prasad Gaire, Tilak Prasad Gaire, Devki Khatri Gurung (Women)
Treasurer: Thakur Prasad Dhungana
Assistant Treasurer: Krishna Prasad Pokharel
Regional coordinators were also chosen:
Asia-Pacific: Dr. Balram Shrestha
Europe: Prem Bahadur Gurung
Middle East: Ramesh Shrestha
North and South America: Diluram Parajuli
Oceania: Irsad Ahmed
Additional regional vice coordinators include Madhav Pokharel, Mim Bahadur Purja, Sunil Kumar Ghimire, Shreekrishna Bhattarai, Bishwaraj Bastola, Narbahadur Tandon Chhetri, Ram Prasad Kandel, and Pratap Rana.
The convention ended with an oath-taking ceremony and the distribution of certificates to the newly elected leaders. This event marked a significant step in addressing the issues faced by Nepalese living abroad.
For more: NRNA Unity Convention