NEW YORK, USA — Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said that introducing dual citizenship for Nepalis living abroad is not currently possible under Nepal’s existing constitutional framework, and that the government is instead focusing on implementing the existing provision for Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship.

Speaking at an interaction with the Nepali community in New York, Minister Khanal said Nepal’s Constitution does not provide for dual citizenship. He noted that amending the citizenship-related constitutional provisions would require sufficient parliamentary support, making an immediate change difficult.

Khanal said the government has begun working to address practical difficulties in implementing NRN citizenship, which is already provided for under the Constitution.

Interaction with Professionals

The minister, who was in New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, also met with Nepali professionals and experts at an event organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in New York.

Engineers, lawyers, information technology professionals and business leaders urged the government to remove legal and administrative barriers so that Nepali professionals living abroad can contribute their expertise to Nepal’s development.

Khanal acknowledged the contributions of the Nepali diaspora and said the government was committed to addressing their concerns through legal and practical measures. He emphasized the importance of connecting the diaspora with Nepal’s economic development.

Support for Flood Victims

Khanal also received donations raised by Nepali-American organizations for victims of the Bhotekoshi floods.

The New Hampshire Nepali Society presented a symbolic check of NPR 1,00,84,000, while the America-Nepal Helping Society of Virginia contributed $92,964. The Tamu Society Inc. USA presented NPR 20,11,314 for flood relief.

Khanal thanked the donors and the Nepali diaspora for supporting communities affected by the disaster.

NRN Community Raises Citizenship and Consular Issues

At an interaction organized by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council, USA, community leaders presented a memorandum and raised concerns about citizenship, investment and consular services.

Speakers urged the government to ensure continuity of citizenship by descent and improve the investment environment in Nepal. Participants also criticized the government’s decision to close the Consulate General’s office in San Francisco.

Responding to the concerns, Khanal said the government would explore alternative arrangements to make consular services accessible to Nepalis in the region, but indicated that the San Francisco consulate would not be reopened immediately. He cited the government’s broader effort to reduce public expenditure.

Khanal again reiterated that the government is currently prioritizing the implementation of NRN citizenship rather than pursuing dual citizenship.

The NRNA USA interaction was chaired by President Satyendra Shah and attended by community leaders and representatives of various Nepali organizations. Senior attorney Khagendra GC, NRNA New York Chapter President Basu Lamichhane, Ridgewood Nepali Society President Rajesh Bhatt, social activist Shankar Bishunkhe, and representatives of the Nepali Congress-affiliated organization and Pravasi Manch shared their views.

NRNA USA Secretary Laxmi Thapa moderated the program, which brought together Nepali community members from New York and surrounding areas.