Challenges Persist in Obtaining Citizenship Through Mother’s Name, Victims Voice Concerns

March 30, Kathmandu – Although the law permits citizenship to be obtained using the mother’s name, many Nepali citizens continue to live without citizenship due to problems in proper implementation.

On Tuesday, a discussion was held on the topic “Legal Provisions for Obtaining Citizenship Through Mother’s Name, Challenges, and Necessary Constitutional Amendments,” jointly organized by the Citizenship Affected Peoples Network (CAPN), Nationality for All (NFA), and Global Champion for Equal Nationality Rights (GCENR).

Participants in the discussion highlighted that despite amendments in the law, difficulties and complications persist in acquiring citizenship via the mother’s name in practice.

One affected individual shared their grievance about not receiving citizenship even after 36 years of residing in Nepal with a Nepali mother and an Indian father. They stated, “I have been trying for 16 years, but I am still stateless. The lack of citizenship has impacted my education and employment and caused mental distress.”

Another participant complained that when applying for citizenship as a single mother’s child, her character was questioned, and she had to endure humiliating inquiries.

Out of 195 countries worldwide, 172 grant citizenship unconditionally through the mother’s name. Meanwhile, 24 countries still face issues with citizenship via the mother, and four Asian countries do not provide citizenship through the mother at all.

In South Asia, Nepal is highlighted as the only country where obtaining citizenship through the mother’s name remains challenging. Although recognized in the Constitution, citizenship regulations have been amended with various conditions, prompting objections from affected individuals and stakeholders.

The event’s participants emphasized the need to make legal provisions more effective, with simplified and dignified processes for obtaining citizenship through the mother’s name.