Nepal Citizenship Bill 2025: Committee begins amendment discussions

During Thursday’s meeting, parliamentarians emphasised the need to simplify the process of obtaining citizenship through the mother’s name and to clearly address provisions for British Gorkhas and their descendants.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak highlighted the bill’s importance in ensuring all Nepalis can easily obtain citizenship and simplifying the process for those without a father’s address to get citizenship through their mother’s name.

He also noted that district administration offices have implemented a token system to facilitate citizenship applications and that arrangements are being made for people facing difficulties in reaching district offices to obtain citizenship from local area offices.

Committee Chairperson Ramhari Khatiwada stressed the need for distinct and clear positions on British Gorkhas, their descendants and NRNs. Fifty-one parliamentarians in the House of Representatives have proposed 85 amendments, both individually and jointly, to the bill.

The Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill 2025 was registered in the House of Representatives on January 28. The committee held a theoretical discussion on the bill on Wednesday