This article will guide you to know all about NRN Rights in Nepal.
Introduction – NRN Rights in Nepal
Non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) are individuals of Nepalese origin residing outside Nepal. They enjoy certain rights and privileges under Nepalese law, governed by specific regulations and procedures. This article intends to clarify the laws, procedures, and rights concerning Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) in Nepal.
Laws Governing NRN Rights
The rights and regulations concerning NRNs are governed by various laws, including the Constitution of Nepal, the Non-Resident Nepali Act, of 2008, and the Immigration Act, of 1992, among others.
Definition of NRNs
NRNs are categorized into two types: foreign citizens of Nepalese origin and Nepali citizens residing abroad. Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin include individuals with Nepalese ancestry who hold foreign citizenship, excluding SAARC member countries. Nepali citizens residing abroad are those who have lived abroad for at least two years and are engaged in various professions.
Procedure for NRN Recognition and Identity Card Issuance
Submission of Application
Submit an application in the prescribed format to the Chief of Mission if abroad, or to the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) if in Nepal.
If applying in Nepal, pay NPR 1500/- (Nepalese Rupees One Thousand and Five Hundred) as a registration fee. If applying abroad, pay USD 20/- (United States Dollar Twenty).
Note that fees may be subject to change based on policy considerations.
Registration Process
Once the application is submitted, the relevant authority records the individual’s name as an NRN.
Application for NRN Identity Card
After being registered as an NRN, apply for an NRN Identity Card.
The Chief of Mission or Secretary of the MOFA issues the Identity Card upon receipt of the prescribed fees.
This process involves submitting the application, paying the required fees, and obtaining the NRN Identity Card, which is essential for NRNs to avail of their rights and privileges in Nepal.
Visa Facilities
NRNs are eligible for tourist visas upon arrival in Nepal, and they can obtain NRN visas for up to 10 years. The application requires an NRN ID card, a current Nepalese visa, and a valid passport.
NRNs must ensure that their NRN ID card is valid and present their current Nepalese visa along with a valid passport during the application process. The NRN visa allows for extended stays in Nepal, providing flexibility for NRNs to engage in various activities in the country.
NRNs Marriage in Nepal
NRNs have the opportunity to get married in Nepal, following the guidelines outlined in the National Civil Code. According to Nepalese law, a marriage is legally recognized when a man and a woman mutually agree to be husband and wife through traditional customs or formal procedures.
It’s important to note that regardless of nationality, marriages must be registered with the appropriate authority to be valid. NRNs, whether they are foreign citizens of Nepalese origin or Nepali citizens residing abroad, can formalize their unions in Nepal as long as they meet the legal requirements. These requirements include both parties consenting to the marriage, ensuring they are not related, and meeting the age requirement of at least 20 years old.
Certain conditions may render a marriage voidable, such as withholding information about health conditions or being already married. In some cases, marriages may be considered void from the beginning, such as when there is no consent from one of the parties or when the marriage involves close relatives, except in specific customs.
Banking and NRN Card Benefits
NRNs with an NRN ID card can open and operate bank accounts in Nepal for earnings in convertible currency. The NRN card provides various benefits, including tax exemptions and property rights.
NRN Citizenship in Nepal
When NRNs acquire foreign citizenship, they automatically renounce their Nepalese citizenship. However, they can apply for NRN citizenship, which grants them social, economic, and cultural rights in Nepal, albeit without political rights.
Re-acquiring Nepalese citizenship is possible upon renouncing foreign citizenship, subject to certain procedures outlined by Nepalese law. This process involves applying to the appropriate government authority for renunciation and fulfilling specific conditions.
Property Rights of NRN in Nepal
Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin have the right to acquire property in Nepal through purchase or inheritance, subject to specific conditions and land ceiling regulations. These regulations dictate the maximum amount of land that can be acquired in various regions of Nepal.
In the Kathmandu Valley, they can acquire up to 2 Ropani of land, while in municipalities of the Terai district, the limit is 8 Katha. For other municipalities outside the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai district, the limit is 4 Ropani, and in Village Development Committees of the Terai district, it’s 1 Bigha.
These land regulations do not apply to those foreign citizens of Nepalese origin who acquired land while being Nepali citizens.
Foreign Investment
NRNs can make foreign investments in Nepal under the Foreign Investment and Transfer of Technology Act, of 2019. Investments must meet specified criteria, including a minimum investment amount and compliance with sectoral regulations.
NRN Union
NRNs have the right to form unions within Nepal to promote cooperation and support among NRNs. The registration process and regulations governing NRN unions are specified.
Conclusion
The legal framework in Nepal provides NRNs with rights and privileges to facilitate their engagement with Nepal’s social, economic, and cultural aspects. Understanding the laws and procedures governing NRNs is essential for individuals of Nepalese origin residing abroad to navigate their rights and responsibilities effectively.
Also, Read Public Property Law in Nepal
