Dual citizenship has become a key issue in the ongoing election campaign, with several political parties pledging to address demands raised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).
Ahead of the February 21 House of Representatives election, parties such as the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Ujyalo Nepal Party have included commitments related to citizenship continuity for Nepalis living abroad.
The RPP has proposed maintaining citizenship by descent under the slogan “once a Nepali, always a Nepali”, arguing that the skills, experience and investment of the diaspora are valuable for national development. The party says enabling overseas Nepalis to retain stronger legal ties could encourage greater economic contribution.
The RSP has also referred to citizenship continuity in its commitment paper, along with proposals such as online voting rights for overseas Nepalis. Party leaders say detailed discussion on the legal framework would follow if they move ahead with amendments.
Similarly, the Ujyalo Nepal Party has promised to revise laws to allow Nepalis abroad and their children to retain citizenship by descent, saying such a move would help preserve language, culture and identity while strengthening long-term ties with the country.
Under the current constitution, Nepali citizenship is automatically revoked once a person acquires foreign nationality. However, a provision allows former citizens and their descendants to obtain non-resident Nepali citizenship, which grants economic, social and cultural rights but excludes political rights such as voting or holding public office.
The Citizenship Act amended in 2023 formalised this non-resident status. Parties supporting dual citizenship say further debate in Parliament would be necessary before making broader legal changes.