102 people receive citizenship through mother’s name in Ilam

KATHMANDU: In the fiscal year 2081/82 BS, a total of 102 individuals in Ilam obtained Nepali citizenship under their mother’s name, according to the District Administration Office (DAO), Ilam.

Among them, the majority — 97 people — received their citizenship from the Immigration and Border Administration Office in Pashupatinagar, while three were granted by the DAO Ilam and two by the Area Administration Office in Mangalbare, said Chief District Officer (CDO) Sunita Nepal.

Speaking at the annual progress review program held at the DAO, CDO Nepal mentioned that these individuals were previously deprived of citizenship due to the absence of paternal identification.

However, they were eligible under constitutional provisions to acquire citizenship through their mothers.

CDO Nepal explained that although the constitution allows children to obtain citizenship in their mother’s name, several legal complexities still make the process challenging.

For instance, citizenship was granted in cases where the mother’s citizenship did not include the husband’s name, and the child’s educational certificates, birth registration, or any official documents lacked the father’s name.

She further clarified that in cases where the father’s identity is unknown or untraceable, citizenship is granted based on the mother’s citizenship, recommendation from the ward office, and supporting documents like academic certificates.

However, in instances where the father’s name is mentioned in the child’s birth certificate or educational records but the father is out of contact, such applicants could not be issued citizenship due to legal constraints, CDO Nepal noted.

Access to citizenship has enabled recipients to pursue higher education, apply for jobs, and receive essential public services, she added.

During the same period, a total of 6,461 people in Ilam received citizenship by descent, while 40 individuals obtained citizenship through matrimonial naturalization and four were granted Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship.

Additionally, six people renounced their Nepali citizenship, and the citizenship of two individuals was revoked.

The DAO also issued 142 minor identity certificates.

Furthermore, 6,137 copies of unamended and 4,332 copies of amended citizenship certificates were issued.

In terms of digital identity, biometric details of 15,299 individuals were collected for the National Identity Card, with 7,239 cards already distributed.

All three administrative offices — the DAO, Area Office, and Border Administration Office — have provided free application services for the National Identity Card.