Non-resident Nepalese citizenship is a topic that has been debated for years, distribution has started, but the ambiguity remains. Not only from the sentimental point of 'One time Nepali, forever Nepali', but also because of the national interest that the economic status and skills acquired abroad by non-resident Nepali should be easily used in Nepali land, even though the provision of non-resident Nepali citizenship has been made in the Constitution of Nepal, there is no progress towards that.

Even though the distribution of non-resident citizenship has started since October 2080 after the creation of the federal law, the non-resident Nepalis have started to feel that the state of Nepal itself does not recognize it. Even though the citizenship is in hand, the government offices of Nepal are saying that they have refused to implement the non-resident citizenship because the circular did not come. The handling of a sensitive issue like citizenship by the Nepalese government is critical. The government should immediately take necessary decisions for smooth implementation of citizenship.

The issue of non-resident Nepali citizenship is a provision of the Constitution of Nepal. Addressing the long-standing demand of non-resident Nepalis, Article 14 of the Constitution issued in 2072 included non-resident Nepalese citizenship. In which it is mentioned that such citizenship will be given to enjoy economic, social and cultural rights. However, the constitution could be implemented only eight years after its promulgation, i.e. 2080.

But from the beginning, there has been confusion and ambiguity in understanding the use of this kind of citizenship from the constitutional provisions. The fact that government offices like Malpot now do not recognize non-resident citizenship is not an immediate problem, it is only an extended form of the problem created by the confusion and ambiguity of the past. At the same time, in some cases, it is said that the benefits of carrying citizenship are reduced even more than the non-resident Nepali identity card. As such, the citizenship holder has to pay the visa or renewal fee when coming to Nepal. But the ID card holder does not have to pay such fee. This has created confusion and discomfort. It is necessary for the government of Nepal to be clear about what to do in such matters and to implement the policy accordingly. 

The two aspects directly connected with non-resident citizenship - the Nepali state and non-resident Nepalis seem unclear. Firstly, although the constitution states that economic, social and cultural rights can be enjoyed, stakeholders say that it is not clear what those rights are objectively. They are of the opinion that this issue should be clarified through law. But Nepal government is not paying attention to this. It seems that he felt that his responsibility was fulfilled by making the

law and passing the regulations. It seems that this kind of citizenship is considered unexpected. Second, non-resident Nepalis themselves have a different opinion. That is the reason why they are not excited and there is no consensus even when their demands have been addressed for years. Some are calling this citizenship a grand achievement, others are comparing it to a scrap of paper. Among them, they are also interpreting the words and meanings mentioned in the constitution in their own way regarding this citizenship. They are also demanding political rights that are not envisaged by the constitution.

With citizenship, it is understood that different opinions are expressed because different people have different expectations and objectives. However, with citizenship, the purpose of the state of Nepal is more important than the specific purpose of the individual. Therefore, it is necessary for the state of Nepal and non-resident Nepalis to be clear about the rights that come with non-resident citizenship, what this citizenship itself is and is not, and the ways to achieve its purpose. That clarity should be watered down from the words and meaning mentioned in the constitution. Because, such citizenship has now become a matter of constitutional rights. They should get the rights according to the constitution and law. Therefore, according to the need, decisions can be made by the Council of Ministers or laws can be made or amended by the Parliament. The government should take the lead for that. Otherwise, the debate on the constitutional purpose and the initiative towards such a provision of citizenship is overshadowed, only the distribution and management becomes the main issue.

Until now, non-resident Nepalis were connected with Nepal through emotional reasoning. It was believed that through their financial investment and skill application, bricks would be added to the economic prosperity of Nepal. That logic and belief have not weakened even today. But now there is a constitutional provision that connects them with Nepal. That is, it is the duty of the Government of Nepal to facilitate the enjoyment of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The issue of benefiting from them is also determined by the fact that how much the state can encourage them, create a conducive environment for investment and skill utilization.