KATHMANDU: The issuance of citizenship certificates to Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) has been officially set in motion with the publication of the Nepal Citizenship (Third Amendment) Regulation, 2080, in the Nepal Gazette.

During a program organized by the Forum for Women, Law, and Development in Kathmandu, Krishna Bahadur Katuwal, the Chief of the Citizenship and Identity Card Management Section at the Home Ministry, announced that this provision became effective following the publication of the Regulations in the Nepal Gazette on September 21.

Under this arrangement, NRN citizenship certificates will be included in the citizenship documentation provided to non-resident Nepalis. However, it’s important to note that individuals holding such citizenship certificates will not have political rights.

According to the Regulations, individuals obtaining NRN citizenship certificates will be entitled to social, cultural, and financial rights, but they will also be required to take an oath, as stated by Katuwal.

The Regulations further stipulate that citizenship can be granted to individuals above 16 years of age if their father or family members refuse to sign for the citizenship certificate, based on the signature of a people’s representative.

Additionally, children raised in government-certified orphanages may be eligible for citizenship certificates based on recommendations from local governments.

Furthermore, the Regulations provide a provision for individuals who have already obtained citizenship but wish to change their gender status on the citizenship certificate. This change can be made following a decision by the Cabinet, supported by a certificate from the Ministry of Health and Population.