Key Takeaways
• Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill approved June 28, 2025, easing citizenship for children of Nepali mothers.
• Children under 16 can receive minor identity cards as official ID until eligible for full citizenship.
• Process requires self-declaration of unknown father; verification can take 2-3 months before issuing ID.
Nepal’s journey toward fairer citizenship laws has seen important changes in recent years, especially with the passing of the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill by the House of Representatives. This bill aims to make it easier for children of Nepali mothers to get citizenship, even if the father’s identity is unknown. However, the process is still not fully free from gender bias, and there are several steps and requirements that applicants and their families need to understand. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to the entire process of acquiring Nepal Citizenship under the new bill, what to expect at each stage, and how these changes impact families, especially women and children.
Understanding the New Nepal Citizenship Bill
The Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill, approved by the House of Representatives on June 28, 2025, is a response to long-standing criticism about gender discrimination in Nepal’s citizenship laws. Previously, women faced many obstacles when trying to pass citizenship to their children, especially if the father was not present or his identity was unknown. The new bill tries to address these issues by allowing children to get citizenship through their mothers under certain conditions.
However, while the bill is a step forward, it still requires information about the father for some types of citizenship. This means that, although the process is easier for some, it is not yet completely equal for all. The bill is currently waiting for approval from the National Assembly and the President before it becomes law.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility for Nepal Citizenship
The new bill mainly helps children who meet the following conditions:
- Children of Nepali mothers: If the mother is a Nepali citizen and the father’s identity is unknown or cannot be traced, the child can apply for citizenship through the mother.
- Children under 16: The bill introduces “minor identity cards” for children under 16. These cards act as official identification until the child is old enough to apply for full citizenship.
This change is especially important for children born abroad or in situations where the father is absent. It aims to reduce the number of stateless children in Nepal.
Step-by-Step Process for Acquiring Nepal Citizenship
The process for acquiring Nepal Citizenship under the new bill involves several stages. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step, what is required, and what applicants can expect from the authorities.
Step 1: Confirming Eligibility
Before starting the application, families should make sure they meet the eligibility criteria:
- The child’s mother must be a Nepali citizen.
- The father’s identity must be unknown or untraceable.
- For children under 16, a minor identity card can be requested.
If these conditions are met, the family can move forward with the application.
Step 2: Gathering Required Documents
Applicants will need to collect several documents before submitting their application. These usually include:
- The mother’s citizenship certificate (proof that she is a Nepali citizen)
- The child’s birth certificate
- A self-declaration form stating that the father’s identity is unknown or cannot be traced
- Any other documents requested by local authorities
The self-declaration is a key part of the process. Both the mother and the child (if old enough) must sign this statement, confirming that they do not know the father’s identity.
Step 3: Submitting the Application
Once all documents are ready, the application must be submitted to the local District Administration Office (DAO). This is the main government office responsible for handling citizenship matters in Nepal.
At this stage, applicants should:
- Fill out the official application form for citizenship or minor identity card. (As of July 2025, the official form and its link are not yet available. Applicants should check the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal for updates.)
- Attach all required documents
- Submit the application in person at the DAO
Applicants should keep copies of all documents and the application receipt for their records.
Step 4: Verification by Authorities
After the application is submitted, the DAO will review the documents and verify the information provided. This step can take several weeks or even months, depending on the workload of the office and the complexity of the case.
During verification, authorities may:
- Check the authenticity of the mother’s citizenship certificate
- Confirm the child’s birth details
- Investigate the self-declaration about the father’s identity
If there are any doubts or missing information, the DAO may ask for additional documents or call the applicant for an interview.
Step 5: Issuing the Minor Identity Card (For Children Under 16)
If the applicant is under 16, and all documents are in order, the DAO will issue a minor identity card. This card serves as official identification until the child turns 16 and can apply for full citizenship.
The minor identity card includes:
- The child’s name and date of birth
- The mother’s details
- A statement that the cardholder is a minor and not yet a full citizen
This card helps children access education, healthcare, and other services while waiting for full citizenship.
Step 6: Applying for Full Citizenship (At Age 16 or Older)
When the child turns 16, they can apply for full Nepal Citizenship. The process is similar to the earlier steps but requires the minor identity card and updated documents.
Applicants must:
- Submit a new application for full citizenship
- Provide the minor identity card
- Update any documents if needed (such as school certificates or proof of residence)
The DAO will again verify the information before issuing the citizenship certificate.
Step 7: Receiving the Citizenship Certificate
Once the DAO is satisfied with the application and all documents, they will issue the official citizenship certificate. This document is proof of Nepalese nationality and is needed for many important activities, such as getting a passport, voting, or owning property.
Applicants should check the certificate carefully for any errors and report them immediately to the DAO for correction.
Estimated Timeframes for Each Stage
The time required for each step can vary, but here are some general estimates:
- Document gathering: 1-2 weeks, depending on how quickly documents can be collected
- Application submission and initial review: 1-2 weeks
- Verification by authorities: 4-8 weeks (may be longer if there are complications)
- Issuing minor identity card: 1-2 weeks after verification
- Full citizenship application (at age 16): 2-4 weeks for processing
In total, the process from initial application to receiving a minor identity card may take 2-3 months. The full citizenship process at age 16 can take another 1-2 months.
What Applicants Should Expect from Authorities
Applicants should be prepared for:
- Careful document checks: Authorities will closely review all documents to prevent fraud.
- Possible interviews: The DAO may call applicants for interviews to confirm details.
- Delays: Processing times can be longer if there are many applications or if extra checks are needed.
- Requests for more information: If anything is unclear, the DAO may ask for additional documents or explanations.
It is important for applicants to stay patient and keep in touch with the DAO throughout the process.
Gender Bias and Ongoing Challenges
While the new bill is a step forward, it does not fully remove gender bias from Nepal’s citizenship laws. Some key concerns include:
- Requirement for father’s information: For certain types of citizenship, authorities still ask for details about the father, which can be difficult or impossible for some families to provide.
- Penalties for false declarations: The bill includes penalties for mothers who make false statements about the father’s identity. Advocacy groups like the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) argue that this unfairly targets women and may discourage them from applying.
- Implementation hurdles: Experts warn that some officials may still hold patriarchal views, making it harder for women and children to get fair treatment during the application process.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these issues mean that, while the process has improved, there is still work to be done to achieve true gender equality in Nepal Citizenship laws.
Practical Effects for Families and Children
The new bill is expected to help many families, especially those where the father is absent or unknown. Key benefits include:
- Ending statelessness: Children who previously could not get citizenship now have a clear path to becoming Nepali citizens.
- Access to services: With a minor identity card or citizenship certificate, children can go to school, receive healthcare, and enjoy other rights.
- Reduced discrimination: By allowing citizenship through the mother, the law helps reduce gender-based discrimination, though not completely.
However, families should be aware of the remaining challenges and be prepared to advocate for their rights if they face unfair treatment.
What Happens Next: The Bill’s Future and Further Reforms
The Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill is not yet law. It must still be approved by the National Assembly and signed by the President. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stressed the urgency of passing the bill, pointing to many court cases and public complaints about citizenship issues.
Advocacy groups like FWLD and Equality Now continue to push for further reforms, including:
- Removing all requirements for father’s information in citizenship applications
- Ending penalties that target women
- Training officials to treat all applicants fairly, regardless of gender
The government also plans to introduce separate laws to address citizenship issues for Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) and former British Gurkha soldiers.
Tips for Applicants: How to Prepare and What to Do
If you or your child may be eligible for Nepal Citizenship under the new bill, here are some practical steps to follow:
- Stay informed: Check the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal for updates on the bill’s status and application forms.
- Gather documents early: Start collecting necessary documents, such as the mother’s citizenship certificate and the child’s birth certificate, as soon as possible.
- Be honest in declarations: Only sign the self-declaration about the father’s identity if it is true. False statements can lead to penalties.
- Keep records: Make copies of all documents and keep receipts from the DAO.
- Seek help if needed: If you face problems or discrimination, contact organizations like FWLD or Equality Now for support.
Managing Expectations: What Families Should Know
The process for acquiring Nepal Citizenship is improving, but it is not yet perfect. Families should be prepared for:
- Possible delays and extra checks by authorities
- The need to provide detailed documents and information
- The chance that some officials may still hold outdated views about gender roles
However, the new bill is a sign of progress, and with continued advocacy, Nepal’s citizenship laws may become even fairer in the future.
Conclusion: Moving Toward Fairer Citizenship
Nepal’s new citizenship bill offers hope to many families who have struggled with gender bias in the past. By allowing children to get citizenship through their mothers, the law helps reduce statelessness and gives more children a chance at a better future. However, the journey is not over. Families must still follow a careful process, provide detailed documents, and be ready to face challenges along the way.
For the most up-to-date information and official forms, always check the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal. As the law continues to change, staying informed and prepared is the best way to ensure a smooth application process for Nepal Citizenship.
By understanding each step, knowing what to expect, and being aware of ongoing gender bias, families can better manage the process and advocate for their rights. With continued reforms and support from advocacy groups, Nepal is moving closer to citizenship laws that treat everyone equally, regardless of gender.
Learn Today
Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill → Legislation passed in 2025 to improve gender equality in Nepal’s citizenship laws.
Minor Identity Card → Official identification for children under 16 waiting to apply for full citizenship.
Self-Declaration → A signed statement confirming the father’s identity is unknown or untraceable.
District Administration Office (DAO) → Local government office responsible for processing citizenship applications in Nepal.
Statelessness → Condition where a person is not recognized as a citizen by any country.
This Article in a Nutshell
Nepal’s new citizenship bill seeks to reduce gender bias by allowing children citizenship through mothers if fathers are unknown. The step-by-step process involves eligibility confirmation, document submission, verification, and issuance of identity or citizenship certificates, improving access but not fully resolving gender inequality obstacles in Nepal’s citizenship laws.
— By VisaVerge.com
