dual citizenship for nrn

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;+3NON-RESIDENT NEPALI ASSOCIATION

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLsf nflu bf]xf]/f] gful/stfDUAL CITIZENSHIP FOR NON-RESIDENT NEPALIS

POSITION PAPERcjwf/0ffkq

APRIL 2010r}t @)^^

Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA)Secretariat: FNCCI Building

Shahid Shukra FNCCI Milan MargPachali, Teku

PO Box 269, Kathmandu, NepalTel: (+977-1) 4215247/4262061

Fax: (+977-1) 4215247E-mail: nrn.org.np

Website: www.nrn.org.np

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was organized in October 2003 duringthe First Global Conference of Non-resident Nepalis in Kathmandu. It represents aglobal network of NRN National Coordination Councils, which are now 56, and otherNepali associations and organizations in various parts of the world. NRNA's objectivesare to promote and protect the interests of NRNs in Nepal and abroad; fostercoordination and co-operation among NRN communities worldwide; strengtheninternational support for Nepal and its people, products and services, trade and industry;attract and facilitate direct investments, financial and otherwise, in Nepal by NRNsand others for her development. With its motto of "for Nepali by Nepali," NRNA hascompleted, initiated or planned a number of charitable projects in Nepal. It isheadquartered in Kathmandu, where it maintains its secretariat with local staff. NRNAorganizes a Global Conference of NRNs every two years in Nepal and a RegionalNRN Conference every alternate year at a different location. The Fourth RegionalConference is taking place in May 2010 in Houston, Texaz, USA, while the Fifth GlobalConference is scheduled for October 2011.

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Prepared by The NRNA Task Force on Dual Citizenship (TFDC)

Published by Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA)

Designed and Printed by Ultimate Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, NepalTel: +977-1-4385610/4352223 | Website: www.marketingultimate.com

Copyright 2010 by Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). All rights reserved. Thisdocument may only be reproduced in its entirety and distributed for informational or lobbyingand advocacy purposes. Excerpts may only be used with appropriate attribution.

NRNA TASK FORCE ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP (2009-11)

CHAIRMr. Ram Pratap Thapa Germany [email protected]

VICE CHAIRCapt. (Retd.) Hit Man Gurung UK [email protected]

MEMBERSMr. Bhaban Bhatta Japan [email protected]. Kiran Kumari Bhattarai Canada [email protected]. Jugal Bhurtel Russia [email protected]. Dev Kaji Dangol Qatar [email protected]. Sharmila Gurung Hong Kong [email protected]. Bhim B. Karki USA [email protected]. Deepak Khadka Australia [email protected]. Ram Babu Nepal The Netherlands [email protected]. Kabita Nirola The Netherlands [email protected]

ADVISORY PANELMr. Kul Chandra Gautam Nepal [email protected]. Kalpana Ghimire-Nourisson France [email protected]. Dev Man Hirachan Japan [email protected]. Naresh Koirala Canada [email protected]. Upendra Mahato Belarus [email protected] Kant Mainali, Esq. Nepal [email protected]. Surya Subedi UK [email protected]

This official NRNA Position Paper on dual citizenship was printed with voluntary financialcontribution received from members of the NRNA Task Force on Dual Citizenship (TFDC).

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PREFACE

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is a single common organization ofNepalis who are residing outside of Nepal. It is involved in safeguarding the interestof non-resident Nepalis everywhere and encouraging them to be involved in thesocio-economic development of Nepal. The NRNA has been campaigning for dualcitizenship provision for Nepali-origin people who have acquired the citizenship of aforeign country. For advancing the cause further and lobbying appropriate authoritiesin Nepal, the NRNA International Coordination Council has formed a Task Force onDual Citizenship, which prepared this Position Paper after a careful study of therelevant Nepali laws and practices of other countries. NRNA has adopted and publishedthis Position Paper as an official statement of its position as regards dual citizenshipfor NRNs. The Task Force is grateful to all the NRNA officers, advisors and staff, theNRN National Coordination Councils, Task Force advisors, legal experts and individualNepalis and NRNs who provided inputs to this Position Paper.

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1NRNA Position Paper on Dual Citizenship

ContextOne of the principal goals of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has beento secure dual citizenship provision in Nepali laws for those Non-resident Nepalis(NRNs)1 who or whose spouse, mother or father, grandmother or grandfather, greatgrandmother or great grandfather held Nepali citizenship granted under thecitizenship law of 2008 [1952 CE] or under the laws enacted thereafter and lateracquired the citizenship of another country but wish to keep or acquire Nepalicitizenship. NRNA remains firmly and unequivocally committed to the attainmentof this important goal and believes in generally constructive, cooperative andcollaborative approach toward achieving it. The current Citizenship Act of Nepal2063 [2006 CE], Section 10(1), states: Any citizen of Nepal who voluntarily acquires thecitizenship of any foreign country shall automatically lose the citizenship of Nepal.2 This provision,as well as the gender-based discrimination the Act prescribes in granting citizenship bydescent (Sections 3(ii)), is inherently unfair and unjust and does not serve the interestof Nepal or the Nepali people in any way; it only imposes undue penalty and hardshipon industrious, enterprising NRNs, who find it desirable or necessary to acquire foreigncitizenship, and their children and grandchildren. It also proves to be an undeserved

* Prepared by NRNA Task Force on Dual Citizenship (TFDC) with input and endorsement fromNRNA National Coordination Councils (NCCs), NRNA International Coordination Councils (ICC),NRNA executives and a large number of other NRNs. To be available at http://www.nrn.org.np

1 As defined in the Gairaabaasiya Nepali Sambandhi Ain 2064 (Non-Resident Nepali-related Act 2064[2007 CE]), available at http://www.nrn.org.np/downloads/nrn_act.pdf, NRN is a Nepali national,excluding Government of Nepal employees on assignment abroad and Nepali students studying inforeign educational institutions, who has been living in a country other than South Asian Associationfor Regional Cooperation (SAARC) members for at least two years. As defined in the Act, the termNRN also includes Foreign Nationals of Nepali Origin (FNNO).

2 Nepal Nagarikata Ain 2063 (Nepal Citizenship Act 2063 [2006 CE]). Available athttp://www.nrn.org.np/downloads/citizenship_act.pdf (in Nepali) andhttp://www.nrn.org.np/downloads/citizenship_act_eng.pdf (English translation)

NON-RESIDENT NEPALI ASSOCIATION

Position Paper on

DUAL CITIZENSHIP FOR NON-RESIDENT NEPALIS*

2 NRNA Position Paper on Dual Citizenship

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penalty to those Nepalis whose near and dear ones happen to be Foreign National ofNepali Origin (FNNO).3

The number of NRNs (used here to include FNNOs as in the Act) directly, indirectlyor potentially affected by the restrictive provision is growing very rapidly as the numberof Nepalis going abroad in pursuit of educational, professional, business or employmentopportunities has significantly increased. The number of ex-Gurkha soldiers settlingoutside of Nepal has dramatically increased. A provision to allow FNNOs, includingthe ex-Gurkha FNNOs, and their children and grandchildren to be dual citizens –through necessary amendments to the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063 and the Non-resident Nepali-related Act 2064 [2007 CE]4 will help rectify the unfairness and injusticeto a great extent. As a serious stakeholder in the overall progress of Nepal, NRNsstrongly believe that the new constitution should include provisions for dual citizenshipas well as grant of citizenship by descent to children of Nepali male or female citizens.The result will undoubtedly be a win-win arrangement for both Nepal and NRNs.

Need, Benefits and International TrendDual citizenship or dual nationality (used here interchangeably) provision for FNNOswill help them maintain their cherished relationship with Nepal and their family andfriends and also provide them with impetus to invest in Nepal, thus contributing toNepal’s overall development. In addition, it will encourage FNNOs and their childrenand grandchildren to build closer ties with Nepal, have a strong sense of belonging andpreserve and take pride in their rich heritage. FNNOs and their children, many ofwhom are likely to occupy positions of leadership in their country of domicile, couldbe major catalysts in developing and strengthening trade, economic, cultural andeducational ties between Nepal and countries of the world. Dual citizenship can be astrong incentive for many, many NRNs/FNNOs to return to Nepal. By allowing it,Nepal stands to benefit from a likely reversal of the brain drain that Nepal has beensuffering for some time. Furthermore, dual citizenship could help reduce the currentoutflow of capital from the country believed by many to be largely due to the veryrestrictive citizenship and property laws and rules.

3 As defined in the Gair aabaasiya Nepali Sambandhi Ain 2064 (Non-resident Nepali-related Act 2064[2007 CE]), available at http://www.nrn.org.np/downloads/nrn_act.pdf, an FNNO (ForeignNational of Nepali Origin) is a person, who or whose parent or parents or grandparent or grandparentsheld Nepali citizenship but subsequently acquired the citizenship of any foreign country other thanSAARC members. The broader term NRN includes FNNO, as defined in the Act.

4 Gairaabaasiya Nepali Sambandhi Ain 2064 (Non-resident Nepali-related Act 2064 [2007 CE]). Availableat http://www.nrn.org.np/downloads/nrn_act.pdf


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Dual or multiple5 citizenship has proven to be one of the most effective instrumentsfor accelerating socio-economic development of countries in the modern world. It canalso help increase the opportunities and abilities of the Nepalis to compete moreeffectively in the international arena and build networks globally, without losing theirbond with Nepal and support network. With accelerating globalization, more andmore developing countries are realizing that providing the right to dual citizenship totheir former citizens could help channel valuable resources into the country on anongoing basis. More than 70 countries – including the 27 European Union countries,Canada, Australia, USA, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other developed and developingnations – currently allow or recognize dual citizenship in one form or another. Wefirmly believe that Nepal, which has endorsed all major international human rightstreaties and agreements, should join these nations in recognizing dual citizenship.

Support and Prospects in NepalNepali political leaders, Constituent Assembly members, civil society leaders andgovernment authorities — we have no doubt — recognize the basic unfairness andcounter-productive effects of the automatic loss of citizenship provision and that ofthe absence of any provision for dual nationality in the prevailing Nepali laws. Wefurther believe that they share our belief of once a Nepali, always a Nepali and are readyand willing to remedy the present anomaly and to let Nepal gain from the participationof NRNs in her all-around development. During the Third Global Conference ofNRNs in Kathmandu in 2007, Girija Prasad Koirala, Prime Minister of Nepal at thetime, had publicly instructed the concerned government officials to craft a legal provisionallowing dual citizenship to NRNs. This clearly reflects the ongoing support of theNepali Congress Party for our dual citizenship goal. The Unified Communist Party ofNepal (Maoist) in its manifesto for the Constituent Assembly election had stated thatit supported the inclusion of a dual citizenship provision in the constitution. Morerecently, the UML Party’s Central Committee reportedly has decided to support theinclusion in the new constitution of a provision to the effect that NRNs will notautomatically lose their Nepali citizenship upon acquiring the citizenship of a foreigncountry. The Madhesi People’s Right Forum has passed a resolution in support of dualcitizenship in its national convention. The leaders of other political parties too haveon many occasions assured NRNA representatives of their support for dual citizenshiprights for NRNs. On the Nepali people’s part, there has never been any opposition tothe NRNs’ demand for dual citizenship rights. Over the years, as the popular awareness

5 Dual citizenship and multiple citizenship are used here interchangeably.


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k|fjwfgnfO{ ;dfj]z ul/Psf] 5 . xfn;fn} g]kfn sDo'lgi6 kf6L{ PsLs[t -dfs{;jfbL–

n]lggjfbL_sf] s]Gb|Lo ;ldltn] klg gof“ ;+ljwfgdf ;fljsdf g]kfnL gful/s /x]sf JolQmx?n]

ljb]zL gful/stf lnPdf g]kfnsf] gful/stf TofUg' gkg]{ k|fjwfgnfO{ ;dy{g ug]{ k|:tfj

kfl/t u/]sf] eGg] hfGgdf cfPsf] 5 . dw];L hgclwsf/ kmf]/dn] klg cfÏgf] dxflwj]zgaf6

g} bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] kIfdf k|:tfj kfl/t u/]sf] 5 .

cGo bnsf g]tfx?n] klg u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;+wsf k|ltlglwx?nfO{ cfkm'n] bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf]

;dy{g ug]{ s'/fdf w]/} k6s cfZj:t kfg'{ ePsf] 5 . u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?sf] bfxf]/f]

gful/stfsf] dfusf] af/]df g]kfnL hgtfsf] tkm{af6 slxn] klg la/f]w ePsf] 5}g . ljutsf

jif{x?df u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?;+u ;DjWb g]kfnLx?sf] ;+Vofdf w]/} j[l4 ePsf] 5, o;n] ubf{

g]kfndf u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;DjGwL ;r]tgfdf lgs} 7"nf] clej[l4 ePsf] 5 . kmn:j?k

bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] ;fj{hlgs ;dy{gdf cem} a9f]Q/L ePsf] 5 .

gful/stf P]g @)^# df ;+zf]wg u/L ljb]zL d'n'ssf] gful/stf lng] g]kfnLn] g]kfnL

gful/stf sfod /fVg kfpg] Joj:yfsf ;fy} u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;DaGwL P]g @)^$ df

;+zf]wg u/L j+zhsf] cfwf/df gful/stf lb+bf ul/g] clxn]sf] n}+lus kIfkftsf] Jojxf/ cGTo

ePdf g]kfnL gful/stf sfg"g klg w]/} ljsl;t Pj+ ljsf;f]Gd'v d'n'sx?sf] k|rng

cg';f/sf] x'g] 5 . o:tf] P]g ;+zf]wg / goF“ aGg] ;+ljwfgdf g} bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] k|i6

Joj:yf ePdf w]/} u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx? g]kfnsf] ljsf;df ;xefuL x'g clek|]l/t x'g]5g\ .

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;+3 k"j{ uf]/vf ;}lgsx?n] ljZjdf g]kfnsf] 5jL lgd{f0f ug{df u/]sf]

b]gsf] sb/ :j?k klg pgLx?sf nflu klg bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] Joj:yfnfO{ dfGotf lbOg'

kb{5 eÌ] tLj| wf/0ff /fVb5 . ;fy} gful/stf P]g @)^# df ;+zf]wg u/L ljb]zL k'?if;+u

ljjfx ug]{ g]kfnL dlxnf gful/ssf ;+tfg / kltnfO{ klg c+lus[t gful/stf lb+bf ul/g]

c;dfg Jojxf/sf] cGTo ug'{ jf~5gLo b]lvG5 .


of the people on the NRN issues has increased, partly because of the rapidly growingnumber of families connected with NRNs, popular support for dual citizenship rightshas greatly increased in Nepal.

The proposed amendments – to the Citizenship Act 2063 to allow FNNOs to keeptheir Nepali citizenship rights and the NRN-related Act 2064 along with the removalof the gender-based discrimination in the grant of citizenship by descent – and theinclusion of a dual citizenship provision in the new constitution being written will notonly bring Nepali citizenship law more in line with that of many other developed anddeveloping nations but will also attract and encourage NRNs to be engaged in Nepal’sdevelopment. We in the NRNA strongly believe that Nepal owes, as part of its debt ofgratitude, dual citizenship rights to the large number of ex-Gurkhas who have becomeFNNOs. The Citizenship Act 2063 should also be amended to remove the gender-based discrimination against the children of Nepali female citizens married to a foreigncitizen in granting citizenship by descent, as well as the discrimination against foreignmale citizens married to Nepali female citizens in granting of citizenship bynaturalization.

The issues of loyalty and allegiance of persons with dual citizenship along withissues related to passports, legal jurisdiction, taxes, consular services and other legaltechnicalities can all be addressed detail in the relevant laws and rules in tune with thenorms and practices prevailing in nations that have similar provisions. Naturally, oncethe FNNOs are granted dual citizenship, it will be the individual FNNO’s responsibilityto make sure that his or her country of nationality allows or accepts dual citizenship,and that he or she is in compliance with the laws of Nepal as well as those of theadopted country. An FNNO who has a Nepali passport might be required to use his orher Nepali passport when entering or leaving Nepal. Furthermore, under dualcitizenship, an FNNO who has not relinquished his or her Nepali citizenship would betreated on par with other Nepalis and be governed by the local laws and rules. SuchFNNO might only be allowed to receive very little or no consular services from theircountry of nationality.

The Interim Constitution of Nepal (Part 2, Article 10) states that the acquisition andtermination of citizenship and other necessary arrangements shall be in accordance with theexisting law.6 Thus, our understanding is that the NRNs can be granted dual citizenship

6 Nepalko antarim sambidhaan 2063 (Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 [2007 CE]), as amendedby the First, Second and Third Amendments. Available-athttp://www.unmin.org.np/downloads/keydocs/Interim.Constitution.Bilingual.UNDP.pdf


bf]xf]/f] gful/stf ePsf JolQmx?sf] lgi7f Pj+ jkmfbf/L tyf pgLx?n] kfpg] /fxbfgLsf]

k|of]u, pgLx?nfO{ nfUg] sfg"g, s/, k|fKt x'g ;Sg] sG;'n/ ;]jf tyf cGo s'/fx? lj:t[t

?kdf bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] l;4fGt :jLsf/ u/]sf c? /fi6«n] ckgfPsf] k|rng cg';f/

;DalGwt P]g lgodaf6 lgw{f/0f ug{ ;lsG5 . :jefljs ?kdf g]kfnn] bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf]

l;4fGt :jLsf/ u/] kZrft ;DalGwt d'n'ssf] sfg"g cg';f/ bf]xf]/f] gful/stf /fVg x'g]

gx'g] s'/fsf] ;'lglZrttf ug{' tyf g]kfnsf] ;fy;fy} cfkm"n] ckgfPsf] d'n'ssf] sfg"gsf]

kfngf cflb s'/fx? ;DalGwt JolQms} bfloTj x'g]5 . ljb]zL gful/stf ePsf t/

g]kfnsf] gful/stf sfod /fVg] JolQmx?nfO{ g]kfn leq+bf jf g]kfnaf6 jflx/ hf+bf

clgjfo{ ?kdf g]kfns} /fxbfgL k|of]u ug{' kg]{ Joj:yf ug{ ;lsG5 . To:t} g]kfnL

gful/stf gTofu]sf ljb]zL gful/sx?nfO{ c? g]kfnL gful/s ;/xsf] Jojxf/ ul/g] /

g]kfnL lgod sfg"g g} nfUg] k|fjwfg klg /fVg ;lsG5 . o:tf JolQmn] g]kfndf /x+bf

;DalGwt d'n'saf6 sG;'n/ ;]jf lng gkfpg] jf Hofb} sd dfqfdf dfq lng kfpg]

Joj:yf klg ug{ ;lsG5 .

g]kfnsf] cGtl/d ;+ljwfgn] gful/stf ;DaGwdf lgDg Joj:yf u/]sf] 5 -;+ljwfgsf] efu @

wf/f !)_M ægful/stfsf] k|flKt / ;dflKt nufot cfjZos cGo Joj:yf k|rlnt sfg"g

adf]lhd x'g]5 .Æ ctM cGtl/d ;+ljwfgsf] Joj:yfn] gful/stf P]g @)^# df ;+zf]wg u/]/

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?nfO{ bf]xf]/f] gful/stf lbg ldN5 eGg] a'́ fO xfd|f] 5 . u}/cfjf;Lo

g]kfnL ;+3 /fi6«sf] ljwfoLsfnfO{ / ;/sf/nfO{ Jojxf/df s'g} g s'g} ?kdf bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf]

k|rng ePsf] a'em]/ cfjZos sfg"gL ;+zf]wg ug{ cfu|x ub{5 . ;fy} gof“ aGg] ;+ljwfgdf g}

bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] k|i6 Joj:yf x'g' k5{ eÌ] xfd|f] tLj| wf/0ff 5 . u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;+3n]

ljZje/Lsf g]kfnLx?;+u ;'́ fj ;+sng u/L tof/ kf/]/ ;+ljwfg ;efnfO{ a'́ fPsf] ;+ljwfg

;DaGwL ;'́ fjdf klg bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] k|fjwfg /fVg' kg]{ k|i6 ;'́ fj /x]sf] 5 . gof“

aGg] ;+ljwfgdf ljb]zL d'n'ssf] gful/stf k|fKt ub}{df s'g} g]kfnL gful/sn] klg g]kfnsf]

gful/stf TofUg jf u'dfpg' gkg]{ k|i6 pNn]v x'g' kb{5 . To:t} dlxnf jf k'?if g]kfnL

gful/s hf];'s}sf ;Gtfgn] klg g]kfnsf] j+zh gful/stf kfpg] Joj:yf :ki6 lnlvt x'g'k5{

tfls To:tf s]6fs]6Lx? /fHoljxLg x'gaf6 hf]lug] 5g\ . gof“ ;+ljwfgdf gful/stfsf] k|flKt

/ ;dflKtsf ;DaGwdf cGtl/d ;+ljwfgs} efu @ wf/f !) k|fjwfg /fVg'k5{ eGg] xfd|f]

ljZjf; 5 . o; k|fjwfgn] æPs k6ssf] g]kfnL ;+w}sf] g]kfnLÆ sf] cfwf/e"t efjgfnfO{

;fsf/ u/fp“5 / gful/stf tyf u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;DjGwL P]gx? lgdf{0f Pj+ ;+zf]wg ug]{

sfd ;+ljwfg ;+zf]wgsf] nfdf] / hl6n k|s[of kf/ gul/sg} /fli6«o Joj:yflksfn] ug{ ;Sg]

cj:yf l;h{gf x'g]5 .


rights through an amendment to the Citizenship Act of Nepal 2063, and we stronglyurge the national legislature and the government to recognize the existence in practiceof dual citizenship of some sort and make the necessary amendment. At the same timewe strongly believe that the new constitution being drafted should include the dualcitizenship provision. Indeed, this was one of the suggestions made by NRNs in many,many countries and included in NRNA’s Suggestions submitted to the Constituent Assemblyof Nepal on the framework of the future Constitution of Nepal.7 The new constitution shouldinclude an unequivocal statement that no Nepali citizen would ever be required toautomatically lose or involuntarily relinquish his or her Nepali citizenship because heor she acquired a foreign citizenship. The new constitution should also guarantee thecitizenship right to children whose parent or parents, male or female, were Nepalicitizens, in order to keep them from becoming stateless at some point.8 We stronglybelieve, further, that the new constitution should incorporate Part 2, Article 10, ofthe Interim Constitution as is. This will, on the one hand, enshrine in the constitutionthe fundamental concept of once a Nepali, always a Nepali and, on the other hand, allowthe national legislature to make or amend citizenship- and NRN-related laws as necessary– without having to go through the necessarily complicated and lengthy process ofconstitutional amendment.

NRN Identity CardWe acknowledge the NRN Identity Card (NRN ID Card) that the Ministry of ForeignAffairs has only recently begun issuing is a step in the right direction toward our goal ofdual citizenship. The ID Card, as provided for in the Non-resident Nepali-related Act2064 [2007], gives its holder only very limited rights or privileges. At the same time, wemust note that the rules governing the ID Card seem to require applicants to go throughsome bureaucratic hoops to obtain it.9 The application procedure has turned out to beinefficient and cumbersome. This is likely to deter many prospective applicants andunnecessarily constrains its usefulness to NRNs. In spite of its limitations, the ID Card

7 Sambidhaan sabhaalaai Nepalko bhaabi sambidhaanko ruparekha sambandhamaa Gair Aabaasiya Sanghkosujhaab (Suggestions submitted to the Constituent Assembly of Nepal on the framework of thefuture Constitution of Nepal). Available athttp://www.nrn.org.np/sambidhan/final_suggestion_nepali.pdf (in Nepali) andhttp://www.nrn.org.np/sambidhan/final_suggestion_english.pdf (English translation)

8 UNHCR, Preventing statelessness in Nepal: Concerns regarding the draft constitution, February 2010.Retrieved from http://ccd.org.np/new/resources/State lessness%20 and %20 the %20 Constitution_UNHCR_Feb_2010.ENG.pdf

9 Gair aabaasiya Nepali sambandhi niyamaawali 2066 (Rules Pertaining to Non-resident Nepalis 2066[2009CE]). Available at http://www.nrn.org.np/downloads/nrn_niyamabali.pdf


u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL kl/rokqk//fi6« dGqfnon] u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?sfnflu xfn} hf/L ug{ yfn]sf] u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL

kl/rokq cyjf sf8{ bf]xf]/f] gful/stf k|fKt ug]{ xfd|f] nIf tkm{ Ps ;sf/fTds kxn xf] .

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;DaGwL P]g @)^$ cGtu{t k|bfg ul/g] o; kl/rokqn] o;sf jfxsnfO{

clt g} ;Lldt xs cyjf ;x'lnot lbPsf] 5 . of] kl/rokq k|fKt ug{ lgod cg';f/

cfj]bsx?n] s]xL cK7]/fx? kf/ ug'{ kg]{ Joj:yf 5 . cfj]bg lbg] k|s[of 5l/tf] / ;'ud 5}g .

o;n] w]/} u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?nfO{ bRsfpg] 5 / sf8{sf] pkof]lutf cgfjZos ?kdf

;Lldt kfg]{ 5 . sf8{sf sdhf]/Lx?sf] afjh"b g]kfn;“u 3lgi7 ;DaGw /fVg] Pp6f dfWodsf]

?kdf of] w]/} u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx? tyf pgsf ;GttLnfO{ tfTsflns ?kdf pkof]uL x'g]5 .

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?sf] g]kfnjf;L ;DaGwLx?nfO{ klg sf8{ Joj:yf :jfutof]Uo nfUg] 5 .

oBlk xfd|f] ljrf/df of] sf8{sf] sfo{fGjog c }́ ck'/f] /x]sf]n] o;n] ;a} efjL cfj]bsx? /

pgLx?sf ;fwg ;|f]tnfO{ cfsif{0f ug{ ;Sg] ;Defjgf sd 5 .

of] kl/rokq p2]Zo Pj+ kl/sNkgfdf ef/tLo ;/sf/n] k|rngdf NofPsf] ef/tLo d"nsf]

JolQmsf] kl/rokq -Person of Indian Origin Card_ cyf{t kLcfOcf] sf8{;+u ldNbf] h'Nbf]

5 . ;g\ !((( df ef/tLo ;/sf/n] of] sf8{ ;'? ubf{ ef/t xfn g]kfndf h:t} cj:yfaf6

u'h|]sf] lyof] . t/ ef/tLo sf8{ jfxsn] g]kfn ;/sf/n] hf/L u/]sf] kl/rokq jfxsn] eGbf

a9L ;'ljwf kfp“5g\ / hf/L ug]{ k|s[of klg a9L k|i6 5 . kLcfOcf] sf8{ / tt\kZrft ;g\

@))% df ;'? ul/Psf] ef/tLo ljb]zL gful/s kl/rokq -Overseas Citizen of India_

cyf{t cf];LcfO sf8{ lgs} k|efjsf/L ljsNk ePsf 5g\ .

kLcfOcf] sf8{sf] cjlw !% jif{sf] 5 eg] cf];LcfO sf8{sf] cjlw cflhjg x'G5 . cf];LcfO

sf8{ jfxsn] ef/tdf a:g, sfd ug{, cWoog ug{ / ef/tdf tf]lsPsf] If]qdf jfx]s cGoq

lgj]z ug{ Pj+ ;DklQ /fVg cl;ldt clwsf/ k|fKt ub{5g\ . sf8{ jfxsn] dt lbg] / ;/sf/L

;]jfdf k|j]z ug]{ /fhg}lts clwsf/ pkef]u ug{ ;Qm}gg\ . g]kfn ;/sf/n] klg cGtl/d

Joj:yfsf ?kdf cf];LcfO sf8{ h:t} clwsf/ ePsf] sf8{sf] yfngL ug{ ug'{ k5{ eGg] xfd|f]

wf/0ff 5 . of] Joj:yf ;'? ePdf sltko g]kfnL d"nsf ljb]zL gful/ssf] cfjZostf k/k"lt{

x'g]5 . o:tf] Joj:yf ePdf ljb]zL gful/stf lnPsf gft]bf/ ePsf w]/} g]kfnL gful/sx?

klg v'zL x'g]5g\ . ;a}sf] cfjZostf Ps} gx'g] x'gfn] u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL kl/rokqsf] ;fy}

cf];LcfO k|sf/sf] sf8{ / bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] ;d]t Joj:yf ePdf oL tLg Jofjxfl/s Pj+

hfoh ljsNkx?af6 ;DalGwt ;a}sf] cfjZostf k'/f x'g]5 / g]kfnn] klg cTolws nfe

lng ;Sg]5 . g]kfn ;/sf/n] ;'? u/]sf] sf8{ / ef/tLo ;/sf/n] lbg] kLcfOcf] sf8{df

leGgtf k|i6 b]lvG5 . g]kfnn] lbg] sf8{sf] cjlw !) jif{sf] 5 eg] kLcfOcf] sf8{sf] cjlw


should be of immediate help to many, many NRNs since it can be one of the means ofencouraging the NRNs and their children and grandchildren to build and sustain a strongbond with Nepal. It would clearly be welcomed by many of the Nepalis who are relatedto NRNs in some way or other. However, we see the ID Card implementation in itspresent form as seriously flawed and not very effective to attract all the prospectiveapplicants and the resources they could potentially bring into country.

The ID Card, in its purpose and concept, is quite similar to the Person of Indian Origin(PIO) Card that the Government of India is providing. The Government of India , facedwith somewhat similar situation when it started issuing the PIO Card in 1999.10 However,India’s PIO Card, confers substantially more to its holder, and involves a more streamlinedprocess. The PIO Card and the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card, which wasintroduced in 2005, operate as effective alternatives. Unlike the PIO Card, which has15-year validity, the OCI Card is granted for life and allows its holder to indefinitely live,work, study or invest in India and own property in India with a few exceptions.11 OCICard does not include political rights, such as voting rights or government employment.12

We believe the Government of Nepal should devise and implement a mechanism similarto the OCI Card – for the interim and as an alternative to the NRN ID Card – so that theinterest and immediate need of a large number of FNNOs would be served. This willalso be welcomed by the many, many Nepalis who are related to NRNs. Since one sizedoes not fit all, as it were, the availability of the three options, namely, the NRN IDCard, an OCI-type mechanism and dual citizenship, offer practical, reasonable optionsand, if properly implemented, should satisfy the needs of the NRNs/FNNOs and theirfamily and friends in Nepal while maximally benefiting Nepal.

A few differences between our ID Card and the PIO Card are striking. For example,our ID Card’s validity is 10 years compared to the current PIO’s validity of 15 years.The PIO Card fees currently are Indian Rupees 15,000, or equivalent in localcurrency, for adult applicants and Indian Rupees 7,500, or equivalent in local currency,for applicants younger than 18 years. These fees roughly convert to Nepali Rupees24,000 and 12,000, respectively. The equivalent being charged by Indian missions in

10 Description available athttp://chicago.indianconsulate.com/4PassportPioOci/PIO/PIO_Eligibility_Benefits.html

11 OCI Card fee is US$275 or equivalent in local currency, but only US$25 for PIO Card holders.12 Brief description available at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/acsdualnation.html


!% jif{sf] 5 . kLcfOcf] sf8{ lng nfUg] z'Ns jo:s gful/ssf nfuL ef? !%,))) / !*

jif{ eGbf d'lgsf nflu ef? &,%)) tf]lsPsf] 5 h'g g]? @$,))) / !@,))) x'g cfp“5 .

xfn oL z'Nsx? cd]l/sfdf qmdzM #^% / !*% 8n/ 5g\ . t/ g]kfn ;/sf/n] k|rngdf

NofPsf] sf8{sf] z'Ns o'/f]k, cd]l/sf / hfkfg sf nflu g]? #*,))) xhf/ -%)) cd]l/sL

8n/_ cGo d'n'ssf nflu g]? !(,))) -@%) cd]l/sL 8n/_ tf]lsPsf] 5 . pd]/sf] cfwf/df

5'6 lbg] s'g} k|fjwfg 5}g . jo:s / gfjflnusf nflu Pp6} z'Ns /fVg' hfoh b]lv+b}g . of]

z'NsnfO{ g]kfnL /fxbfgLsf] z'Nss} xf/fxf/Ldf /fVg' pko'Qm b]lvG5 . olb of] sf8{nfO{

cTolws u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?sf nflu cfsif{s / pkof]uL agfpg] xf] / o;sf] p2]ZonfO{

;kmn agfpg] xf] eg] o;sf ;a} k|s[ofsf] uxg k'g/fjnf]sg u/L oyfzL3| sf8{ hf/L ug]{

k|s[ofdf ;'wf/ ug{ cfjZos 5 . ;xh / ;'ud k|s[of agfOg' kb{5 . o; ;Gbe{df ;xsfo{

ug{ ;bf h:t} u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;+3 tof/ 5 . clxn] g} ;+3n] sf8{ hf/L k|s[ofsf] cWoog

u/L ;'wf/sf] nflu ;'́ fj tof/ kfg{ Pp6f lgu/fgL 6f]nL v8f u/]/ Pp6f /rgfTds sbd

rfln;s]sf] 5 .

;'emfju}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx? gof“ g]kfnsf] lgd{f0fdf ;lDdlnt x'g] cj;/ rfxG5g\ . bf]xf]/f]

gful/stfsf] Joj:yf nfu' ePdf g]kfnsf] ljsf;df ;s[o ;xefuL x'g pgLx?nfO{ c´ a9L

k|]/0ff ldNg]5 . u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx? / pgLx?sf ;GtltnfO{ g]kfn;+usf] ;DaGw cv08 /

ljsl;t agfO/fVg xf};nf / ;xof]u ldNg] 5 / pgLx? cfkm\gf] g]kfnL d"n k|lt uf}/j

dxz'; ug]{5g\ . bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] k|fjwfgn] g]kfn / g]kfnLnfO{ klg kmfObf lbg]5 .

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?nfO{ bf]xf]/f] gful/stf lb+bf g]kfnnfO{ nfe dfq 5, s'g} xfgL 5}g .

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLx?sf nflu g]kfn cfjZos 5 / g]kfnsf] nflu u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL]

cfjZos 5g\ . bf]xf]/f] gful/stfsf] Joj:yfn] of] cf+lus ;DaGwsf] ljsf;df ;xof]u k'Ug]

5 . g]kfnsf] /fli6«o Joj:yflksf / g]kfn ;/sf/n] o; s'/fnfO{ oyf]lrt Wofg lbg] 5g\ /

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL / ltgsf glhssf gft]bf/x?sf nflu ;'? ul/Psf sfo{x?nfO{ c´

ljsl;t ?k lbg] 5g\ eGg] ljZjf; xfd|f] 5 .

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;+3 g]kfnsf] ;+ljwfg ;ef, Joj:yflksf ;+;b\ / g]kfn ;/sf/nfO{ lgDg

tLg s'/fx?df Wofg lbO oyfzSo rf“8f] sbd rfNg cfu|x ub{5 . o; sfddf ;xsfo{ ug{

;bf +́} of] ;+3 tTk/ 5 .


the US Dollars are 365 and 185, respectively.13 In sharp contrast, the ID Card fees areUS$500 (Nepali Rupees 38,000) for applicants from North America, Europe, Australia,New Zealand, Japan and South Korea and US$250 (Nepali Rupees 19,000) forapplicants from elsewhere – without regard to the applicant’s age. It is clearly unfairthat the ID Card fees should be the same for children and for adults. The ID Card’s feestructure among other things is particularly rough and unfair on NRNs with children.We believe the fees should be in line with the passport fees paid by Nepali citizens. TheID Card provision and related rules and procedures should be carefully reviewed assoon as possible and made more smooth, efficient and reasonable, if it is to be attractiveand useful to the largest number of NRNs and if its purpose is not to be defeated. Inkeeping with its standing offer and practice, NRNA will work with the Governmentin this context. Indeed, NRNA has already taken a constructive step by setting up anNRN Card Monitoring Team, whose work can be expected to help in improving theCard provision and its implementation.

RecommendationNRNs seek the opportunity to contribute to the construction of a new Nepal. Provisionof dual citizenship rights will encourage FNNOs, and NRNs in general, to be activepartners in the transformational process of the country. It will help NRNs and theirchildren and grandchildren to maintain or promote closer ties with Nepal and preserveand take pride in their rich heritage. Dual citizenship for NRNs will also serve theinterest of Nepal and its people. Nepal has nothing to lose but everything to gain byproviding dual citizenship rights to NRNs. Nepal needs NRNs, NRNs need Nepal;dual citizenship nurtures the natural bond. We fervently hope the national legislatureand the Government of Nepal recognize these facts and keep building on what hasalready been done for NRNs and their near and dear ones in Nepal. At the same timeas NRNA vigorously pursues its dual citizenship goal, it strongly urges the ConstituentAssembly, the Legislature Parliament and the Government of Nepal to give seriousand immediate consideration to taking the following three practical and meaningfulsteps. NRNs stand ready as always to work closely with the Constituent Assembly andthe government to realize these steps.

13 When introduced in 1999 CE, the PIO Card’s fee was US$1,000 and had a validity of 20 years.In 2002, however, the fee was reduced to US$365 for adults and US$185 for applicants underthe age 18 and the validity to 15 years. Information retrieved fromhttp://www.cgisf.org/releases/pio_press.html


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(1) Amend the Nepal Citizenship Act 2063 [2006 CE] to(a) drop the provision that requires FNNOs or NRNs to automatically lose or

are forced to involuntarily renounce Nepali citizenship upon voluntaryacquisition of a foreign citizenship;

(b) allow FNNOs who held citizenship under the current Citizenship Act ofNepal 2063 [2006 CE] or the Citizenship Act of 2019 [1962 CE] or anypreceding citizenship laws of Nepal to keep their Nepali citizenship or re-acquire it in the prescribed manner;

(c) end, retroactively, the gender-based discrimination against the children ofNepali female citizens married to foreign citizens in granting citizenship bydescent, as well as the discrimination against foreign nationals married toNepali female citizens and wishing to acquire Nepali citizenship bynaturalization; and

(d) provide for FNNOs, their spouse, their mother or father,grandmother or grandfather, their children, grandchildren or greatgrandchildren to keep their Nepali citizenship, granted under the citizenshiplaw of 2008 [1952 CE] or any of the subsequent laws, or acquire it bydescent or naturalization as the case may be.

(2) The new constitution should include provision for dual citizenship for FNNOswho or whose spouse, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren or greatgrandchildren, held Nepali citizenship under the Nepali citizenship law of 2008[1952 CE] or any of the subsequent laws. If this is somehow impractical orimpossible at this time, the new constitution should include the following twoprovisions:(a) The grant, acquisition, loss or termination of citizenship and other necessary

arrangements shall be in accordance with the prevalent laws of Nepal (sameas Part 2, Article 10, of the current Interim Constitution).

(b) Notwithstanding the provision in 2(a) above, no Nepali citizen shall berequired to automatically lose or involuntarily relinquish his or her Nepalicitizenship, whether acquired under the citizenship law of 2008 [1952 CE]or any of the subsequent laws, because he or she acquired foreign citizenship.

(3) Review the NRN ID Card provision and its implementation in its entirety tomake it more useful, meaningful and accessible to the majority of NRNs, andmake its terms, fee structure, process and procedures more smooth, efficient,reasonable and user-friendly.


NON-RESIDENT NEPALI ASSOCIATION

Dr. Raju Adhikari Australia [email protected]. Harihar Aryal France [email protected]. Sharda Baraily The Netherlands [email protected]. Devi Basnet Korea [email protected]. Shankar P. Bhandari UK [email protected]. Janak Kumar Basnet Isle of Man [email protected]. Radha Basnyat Canada [email protected]. Yasmin Begum Saudi Arabia [email protected]

MEMBERS

INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION COUNCILOFFICE BEARERS (2009-11)

Mr. Dev Man Hirachan President [email protected]. Jiba Nath Lamichhane Vice President [email protected]. Sagar Nepal Vice President [email protected]. Ratan Jha General Secretary [email protected]. Tenzi Sherpa Secretary [email protected]. Rameshwar Shah Treasurer [email protected]. Kumar Basnet Spokesperson [email protected]

Dr. Upendra Mahato Chief Patron [email protected]. Ram Pratap Thapa Patron [email protected]. Bhim Udas Patron [email protected]

COUNCIL OF PATRONS

REGIONAL COORDINATORSDr. Ambika Prasad Adhikari Americas [email protected]. (Retd.) Hit Man Gurung Europe [email protected]. Ganesh Kumar Ijam Asia Pacific [email protected]. Goba Katuwal Oceania [email protected]. Badri Prasad Pandey Middle East [email protected]. Ranjana Udas Africa [email protected]

DEPUTY REGIONAL COORDINATORSMr. Bidur Ghimire Africa [email protected]. Mohammed Din Miya (Raju Sayed) Middle East [email protected]. Drona Prakash Rasali Americas [email protected]. Rudra Sharma Asia Pacific [email protected]. Rabindra Man Shrestha Europe [email protected]. Tribhuwan Shrestha Oceania [email protected]

WOMEN'S AFFAIRSMs. Usha Sharma Coordinator [email protected]. Ranju Thapa Deputy Coordinator [email protected]

YOUTH AFFAIRSMr. Bhabani Oli Coordinator [email protected]. Pukar Malla Deputy Coordinator [email protected]


INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION COUNCIL (Cont'd)MEMBERS

Mr. Ram Bahadur Belbase Saudi Arabia [email protected]. Ram Bahadur Bhandari Italy [email protected]. Mr. Bimal Prasad Dhakal Ukraine [email protected]. Ganesh Dhakal Denmark [email protected]. Pramod Dhakal Canada [email protected]. Lekhnath Dahal Lebanon [email protected]. Krishna Hamal Australia [email protected]. Makar Bahadur Hamal Portugal [email protected]. Lachhya Bahadur Gurung UK [email protected]. Sushil Gyanwali Finland [email protected]. J. N. Gyawali Hong Kong [email protected]. Rajen Kandel UK [email protected]. Badri K.C. Russia [email protected]. Sharmila K.C. South Africa [email protected]. Ram Lal Kandel Spain [email protected]. Rajan Kunwar Kuwait [email protected]. Sonam Lama USA [email protected]. P.S. Limboo UAE [email protected]. Surendra Mahato Belarus [email protected]. Sanjay Mudbhary Switzerland [email protected]. Shree Napit Australia [email protected]. Kapil Neupane Israel [email protected]. Krishna Prasad Pandey Hong Kong [email protected]. Sadhuram Pandey South Africa [email protected]. Kumar Panta Germany [email protected]. Neelesh Man Pradhan Bahrain [email protected]. Tej Prakash Pun Libya [email protected]. Ganga Raj Rai Korea [email protected]. Pujan Rai Singapore [email protected]. Sapila Rajbhandari Russia [email protected]. Kishore Sapkota UK [email protected]. Yogendra Shahi Hungary [email protected]. Raju Shakya Australia [email protected]. Hem Raj Sharma UK [email protected]. Ashish Sherchan Qatar [email protected]. Bhim Sherchan Malaysia [email protected]. Arjun Kumar Shrestha Belgium [email protected]. Arun Kumar Shrestha Japan [email protected]. Niraj Govinda Shrestha Cyprus [email protected]. Rajendra Bahadur Shrestha USA [email protected]. Ramesh Shrestha Thailand [email protected]. Bijaya Thapa UK [email protected]. Chakra Thapa New Zealand [email protected]. Kiran Bikram Thapa Japan [email protected]. Suraj Bahadur Thapa Norway [email protected]


Dr. Sudhir P. Timilsina China [email protected]. Ramesh Twayana Luxembourg [email protected]. Pragyan Udas Qatar [email protected]. Udaya Raj Wagle Macau [email protected]

1. Australia2. Austria3. Bahrain4. Belarus5. Belgium6. Cambodia7. Canada8. China9. Cyprus10. Denmark11. Finland12. France13. Germany14. Greece15. Hong Kong16. Hungary17. Indonesia18. Ireland19. Israel20. Italy21. Japan22. South Korea23. Kuwait24. Lebanon25. Lesotho26. Libya27. Luxembourg28. Macau

COUNTRIES WITH NATIONAL COORDINATION COUNCIL*29. Mazambique30. Malaysia31. Myanmar32. Netherland33. New Zealand34. Nigeria35. Norway36. Oman37. Philippines38. Poland39. Portugal40. Qatar41. Russia42. Romania43. Saudi Arabia44. Singapore45. Slovenia46. South Africa47. Spain48. Sweden49. Switzerland50. Taiwan51. Thailand52. Ukraine53. United Arab Emirates54. United Kingdom55. United States56. Yemen

* As of 15 May 2010

Mr. Indra Ban Australia [email protected]. Jugal Bhurtel Russia [email protected]. Dev Kaji Dangol Qatar [email protected]. Kul Chandra Gautam Nepal [email protected] Kant Mainali, Esq. Nepal [email protected]. Surya Subedi UK [email protected]. Sharda Jung Thapa USA [email protected]

ADVISORS

Prepared by The NRNA Task Force on Dual Citizenship (TFDC)

Published by Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA)

Designed and Printed by Ultimate Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, NepalTel: +977-1-4385610/4352223 | Website: www.marketingultimate.com

Copyright 2010 by Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). All rights reserved. Thisdocument may only be reproduced in its entirety and distributed for informational or lobbyingand advocacy purposes. Excerpts may only be used with appropriate attribution.

NRNA TASK FORCE ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP (2009-11)

CHAIRMr. Ram Pratap Thapa Germany [email protected]

VICE CHAIRCapt. (Retd.) Hit Man Gurung UK [email protected]

MEMBERSMr. Bhaban Bhatta Japan [email protected]. Kiran Kumari Bhattarai Canada [email protected]. Jugal Bhurtel Russia [email protected]. Dev Kaji Dangol Qatar [email protected]. Sharmila Gurung Hong Kong [email protected]. Bhim B. Karki USA [email protected]. Deepak Khadka Australia [email protected]. Ram Babu Nepal The Netherlands [email protected]. Kabita Nirola The Netherlands [email protected]

ADVISORY PANELMr. Kul Chandra Gautam Nepal [email protected]. Kalpana Ghimire-Nourisson France [email protected]. Dev Man Hirachan Japan [email protected]. Naresh Koirala Canada [email protected]. Upendra Mahato Belarus [email protected] Kant Mainali, Esq. Nepal [email protected]. Surya Subedi UK [email protected]

This official NRNA Position Paper on dual citizenship was printed with voluntary financialcontribution received from members of the NRNA Task Force on Dual Citizenship (TFDC).

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u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnL ;+3NON-RESIDENT NEPALI ASSOCIATION

u}/cfjf;Lo g]kfnLsf nflu bf]xf]/f] gful/stfDUAL CITIZENSHIP FOR NON-RESIDENT NEPALIS

POSITION PAPERcjwf/0ffkq

APRIL 2010r}t @)^^

Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA)Secretariat: FNCCI Building

Shahid Shukra FNCCI Milan MargPachali, Teku

PO Box 269, Kathmandu, NepalTel: (+977-1) 4215247/4262061

Fax: (+977-1) 4215247E-mail: nrn.org.np

Website: www.nrn.org.np

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was organized in October 2003 duringthe First Global Conference of Non-resident Nepalis in Kathmandu. It represents aglobal network of NRN National Coordination Councils, which are now 56, and otherNepali associations and organizations in various parts of the world. NRNA's objectivesare to promote and protect the interests of NRNs in Nepal and abroad; fostercoordination and co-operation among NRN communities worldwide; strengtheninternational support for Nepal and its people, products and services, trade and industry;attract and facilitate direct investments, financial and otherwise, in Nepal by NRNsand others for her development. With its motto of "for Nepali by Nepali," NRNA hascompleted, initiated or planned a number of charitable projects in Nepal. It isheadquartered in Kathmandu, where it maintains its secretariat with local staff. NRNAorganizes a Global Conference of NRNs every two years in Nepal and a RegionalNRN Conference every alternate year at a different location. The Fourth RegionalConference is taking place in May 2010 in Houston, Texaz, USA, while the Fifth GlobalConference is scheduled for October 2011.

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dual citizenship for nrn

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