Khatiwada Vows Citizenship Access for Global Nepalis

Chairperson of the State Management and Good Governance Committee, Ramhari Khatiwada, said that the Citizenship Bill will be taken forward to create an environment for Nepali citizens living abroad, including British Gurkhas, to return to Nepal.

Speaking at an interaction program organized in Kathmandu on Saturday by the British Gurkha Nepali Citizenship Continuity Campaign, Khatiwada said the Citizenship Bill has already reached the committee.

He said, "We are trying to make the law without political influence. There has been a demand to grant citizenship through the mother. The Home Ministry has said it will accept the amendment, in whatever form it comes."

Khatiwada stressed that the citizenship law should apply equally to everyone. "We are making laws for all," he said. "To give Nepalis living abroad hope that returning to Nepal is possible, we must bring this law."

He emphasized the need for a law targeting those who served as Gurkha soldiers in the British Army and other Nepalis living abroad who wish to maintain their Nepali identity.

"This Citizenship Bill is a very important issue for us," he added. "There is a clear demand to provide citizenship through the mother's name as well. We will discuss this in the committee."