‘Preparatory work underway to ensure citizenship continuity by descent within framework of Constitution’
KATHMANDU:- Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam has stated that preparations are underway to soon table the new Non-Resident Nepali Bill, 2082, in Parliament.
Minister Gautam shared this information during a discussion with representatives of the Nepali diaspora and legal and policy experts, held as part of a special Zoom dialogue focused on significant legal and policy issues concerning non-resident Nepalis.
The dialogue, attended by leaders, office bearers, and legal and policy experts from departments representing expatriate Nepalis active in various countries, featured detailed discussions on topics such as the continuity of citizenship by descent, the Non-Resident Nepali Bill 2082, structural reforms within the Non-Resident Nepali Association, and the institutional mechanisms for effectively conveying the issues of expatriate Nepalis to the Government of Nepal.
Noting that the government is fast-tracking the reform and amendment of existing laws as well as the drafting of necessary new legislation, Minister Gautam stated that preparations are underway to soon table the new Non-Resident Nepali Bill (2082) in Parliament. He added that the government intends to advance priority legislation through the parliamentary process.
Similarly, Minister Gautam noted that the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s “Let Us Draft Our Own Laws” initiative is gaining momentum. Highlighting the launch of this new practice that directly involves citizens in the legislative process, he explained that proposals regarding even minor issues can originate from the respective sectors, thereby creating an opportunity for the public to participate directly in lawmaking.
The issue of citizenship by descent was raised as a top priority during the meeting. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the legal reforms needed to maintain the connection between Nepali citizens abroad—and their future generations—and their homeland, as well as measures to ensure the continuity of citizenship and long-term policy clarity.
Minister Gautam stated that work regarding citizenship by descent is proceeding in accordance with the pledge made in the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s election manifesto, while remaining within the framework of the current Constitution. He also informed that concrete results regarding this matter would be made public soon.
