There should be no delay to provide citizenship to NRNs: UML Chairman Oli

Published On: October 13, 2022 10:15 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Oct 13: CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has said there should be no delay to provide citizenship with economic, social and cultural rights to the Non-Resident Nepalis. "There should not be any delay in providing citizenship to the NRNs. We will resolve this issue after the election. Citizenship will be issued to NRNs immediately," he pledged.

Concluding the Non-Resident Nepali Day celebrations and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Non-Resident Nepali Association in Kathmandu on Wednesday, he argued that although the government led by him had tried to take ahead the citizenship bill to provide citizenship to NRNs but was unable to realize it due to decision of some ruling partners.

"Demand for NRNs is natural. We have been supporting it," mentioned Chairperson Oli. Also the former Prime Minister, Oli said, "A conducive environment will be created for NRNs to invest in Nepal. Process for the investment will be simplified."

Stating that the Election Commission has been making initiatives to make arrangements to allow migrant Nepali workers to cast their votes from the place where they are living, Oli added that he strongly believes that Nepalis should get opportunity to use their voting right wherever they are.

Chairman Oli lauded the role played by NRNs during the earthquake, blockade and COVID-19 pandemic.

Founder Chairperson of NRNA, Dr Upendra Mahato shared that NRNs have been showing their ability and capacity to enrich the motherland. He further said that the government and political parties should create a friendly environment for Nepalis residing abroad to invest in Nepal.

Saying that NRNs have been representing Nepal abroad, NRNA President Dr Badri KC opined that citizenship should be provided to NRNs even by bringing an ordinance for the same. Another President of NRNA Kul Acharya expressed the view that NRNs have been taking initiative as the true partner for the prosperity of their motherland.

UML leader Dr Surya Pathak and Nepali Congress Central Working Committee member Umesh Jung Rayamajhi also expressed their views during the function.

The two-day AGM concluded on Wednesday with a 10-point Kathmandu Declaration. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba had inaugurated the AGM where different working papers were presented.

(RSS)