Nepal Citizenship: Types & Restrictions (Constitution 2015)
Exam Snapshot
Focus on the distinction between Descent (वंशज) and Naturalised (अंगीकृत) citizenship. The most common MCQ traps involve the 'mother-only' route and the specific exclusions under Article 289.
Core Concept
Nepal enforces a single citizenship policy. There is no dual citizenship.
- Descent (Art 11(2)): Born to a Nepali father or mother at the time of birth.
- Mother-only Descent (Art 11(5)): Born in Nepal to a Nepali mother, father unidentified.
- Naturalised (Art 11(7)): Born in Nepal to a Nepali mother and a foreign father.
Nepal Law Anchors
- Art 11(2): Descent citizenship (general).
- Art 11(5): Mother-only descent provision.
- Art 11(7): Naturalised citizenship for those with a foreign father.
- Art 289 (Exclusion List): Naturalised citizens cannot hold key high-ranking posts (e.g., President, PM, CJ, etc.).
Confusable Terms
- Descent (11(5)): Mother is Nepali, father unidentified.
- Naturalised (11(7)): Mother is Nepali, father is foreign (known).
MCQ Traps
- Dual Citizenship: Nepal does not allow dual citizenship.
- Exclusion List: Article 289 lists posts that naturalised citizens cannot hold. Memorize that key heads of state/government are included.
Example
- A child born to a Nepali mother and a French father in Kathmandu is eligible for naturalised citizenship (Art 11(7)), not descent.
Memory Hook
- 11(5) = Father unknown (Descent).
- 11(7) = Father foreign (Naturalised).
Quick Revision
- Single Citizenship: Strict policy.
- Art 11(2): Descent.
- Art 11(5): Mother-only Descent.
- Art 289: Excludes naturalised citizens from top posts.