NRN CONFERENCE: For Dual Citizenship

 New Spotlight Newsmagazine, Vol: 07 No. – 8 OCT. 4, 2013 (Asoj 18, 2070)

(Constitutional expert, Dr Bipin Adhikari, pointed out, “The issue of dual citizenship is a very complicated issue. At times, persons may have dual citizenship by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to Nepalese parents may be both a Nepalese citizen and a citizen of the country of birth. But the child must make a choice as soon as s/he attains the age of majority. However, as a rule of the Constitution, Nepal does not recognize the concept of dual citizenship.” Many countries and regions in the world admit and respect dual citizenship, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada and Australia. Most countries do not think that citizens should lose the citizenships of their homeland if they succeed in gaining another country’s nationality. However, like Nepal, dual citizenships are not allowed in Denmark, Indonesia, Poland, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Romania, Thailand, and many other countries. Even the U.S. Government recognizes that dual citizenship exists in some form but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Adhikari added, “Nepal’s both neighbours, India and China, do not recognize dual citizenship. The China nationality law holds that the country will not admit the dual nationality of a Chinese citizen. It declares that as soon as Chinese take foreign citizenships, they will automatically lose their Chinese citizenship. It has introduced Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) programs, which offer card holders some travel and residency privileges. But it is not the same thing as dual citizenship.” In his opinion, even for those countries which allow dual citizenships, there are strings attached to the offer. Australia and Egypt do not allow dual citizens to contest parliamentary elections. The naturalized citizens in the US cannot run for the offices of President or Vice President. Pakistan allows dual citizenship, but only with 16 specified countries. Countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Spain either restrict or forbid dual citizenship.)

Bipin Adhikari
http://www.spotlightnepal.com/News/Article/NRN-CONFERENCE-For-Dual-Citizenship
http://www.spotlightnepal.com/News/Article/NRN-CONFERENCE-For-Dual-Citizenship
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