KATHMANDU: Interim government Minister for Energy, Water Resources, Physical Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development Kulman Ghising has said the government is seriously advancing the process of granting voting rights to Nepali citizens living abroad.
Addressing a webinar organized on Sunday by the NRNA Citizenship and Voting Rights Committee, Minister Ghising said the government has already begun the necessary legal and technical procedures to ensure Nepalis abroad can cast their votes.
He informed that the Home Ministry is currently working on two key issues—NRN citizenship and voting rights from foreign soil.
“We are working to issue an ordinance to implement the voting rights of Nepalis residing abroad,” he said, adding that the government has been in continuous discussions with the Election Commission. “The Commission has raised concerns about time constraints, but our stance is clear: Nepalis abroad must be able to vote under any circumstance.”
Ghising also highlighted the security concerns related to voting in Gulf countries, where a large number of Nepalis reside, and the need for strong coordination with host governments.
“Those living abroad are the ones who demonstrate true patriotism,” he said, adding that he has already conveyed his views to the President regarding the urgency of implementing voting rights.
Recalling his interactions in London, Ghising said he has clearly expressed support for continuing Nepali citizenship for descendants of British Gurkhas.
“Citizenship continuity will not harm Nepal—it will benefit the country. It will increase investment. The government must look at this issue seriously,” he said.
However, he noted that matters related to dual citizenship can only be addressed by an elected Parliament.
The minister said the government is committed to mobilizing the skills, resources, and investment of non-resident Nepalis in Nepal’s development, while also urging NRNs to maintain unity and help build a stronger, common NRNA.
During the webinar, NRNA ICC President Mahesh Kumar Shrestha said there must be no further delay in providing voting rights to Nepalis living abroad.
Former NRNA President Kul Acharya, the first person to obtain NRN citizenship, said more than two years have passed since he received it, yet its implementation remains stalled, expressing disappointment over the government’s inaction.
Senior advocate Gopal Krishna Ghimire also stressed the need to ensure citizenship continuity for descendants, adding that despite Nepal’s claim of wanting to attract foreign investment, it has failed to create an environment where NRNs can easily invest in the country.
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