Government committed to provide citizenship to NRNs, Home Minister says

Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand has said the incumbent government was committed to providing citizenship to the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) as per the constitutional provision.

At a program organized by the Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA) on the occasion of its establishment here today, Home Minister Khand recalled that the bill on citizenship was not authenticated by the President though the bill was passed twice from the Federal Parliament. He added that the bill was passed with the purpose to granting citizenship to all Nepali citizens and also to give citizenship to the NRNs as per the constitution.

Minister Khand also urged the NRNs to bring in their skills, investment and capital earned abroad, while assuring the NRNs of the investment returns.

Also speaking at the event, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bharat Raj Paudyal said the government has accorded priority to the NRNA and the government in its policy and program has aimed at establishing cooperation with NRNA and mobilizing its contributions.

Likewise, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chandra Dhakal praised the cooperative efforts of the NRNA with the private sector.

On the occasion, Executive Chairperson of NRNA Rabina Thapa, NRNA Chairmen Kul Acharya, and Dr. Badri KC called for the formation of investment-friendly laws, voting rights, and others to the NRNs.

Founding Chair of NRNA Dr. Upendra Mahato, former chairs Jiba Lamichhane, Bhaban Bhatta, founding general secretary Bhim Udas and others also expressed their views during the program.