NRNA submits memo to Minister Shrestha

London: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has demanded the continuation of Nepali citizenship for non-resident Nepalis.

The Association put forth this demand in a memorandum it handed to Minister for Education, Science and Technology Devendra Poudel who is currently in the UK. NRNA UK chapter President Prem Gaha Magar led team handed over a memo to Minister Shrestha, drawing the attention of the government towards amendment in the laws, acts, rules and regulations of Nepal enabling citizenship cards for non-resident Nepali, an issue directly concerning the non-resident Nepalis. The memo also indicated some ambiguous and inconsistent rules that had politically disconnected non-resident Nepalis’ connection to their roots, heritage, lineage, culture, societies and home country due to residing abroad despite being born to Nepali parents or in Nepal.

The NRNA has urged revision in the ‘unequal’ laws that deprive non-resident Nepalis of citizenship in Nepal. According to the NRNA, there was a lack of clear policy and rules in Nepal regarding the acquisition, use and transfer of immovable properties and the non-resident Nepalis were insecure about their immovable properties in Nepal.

Owing to the bureaucratic hassle, and legal complexities, they shed light on the properties of Nepal being taken out of the country illegally. “There should not be any discrimination between Nepalis and non-resident Nepalis regarding acquisition, use and transfer of property since the constitution of Nepal guarantee the right to property to individuals.” Furthermore, the memo has called for the delivery of justice to Gurkha soldiers, creating an enabling environment for the environment and urging them to take into consideration the concerns of Nepalis students in the UK among others. —