Nepal Allows Citizenship in Mother’s Name

Nepal has removed legal obstacles that made it difficult for children to get citizenship certificates when their father’s identity is unknown. With this new decision, children can now receive citizenship in their mother’s name if the father’s identity has not been disclosed.

This change comes after the government approved the Nepal Citizenship (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2082. Once these regulations were published in the Nepal Gazette, the new rule became ready for implementation across the country.

Under the updated provision of the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063, anyone whose father’s identity is unknown can apply for citizenship using their mother’s name. This move is seen as an important step toward protecting the rights of children and mothers who earlier faced legal and social challenges.

Earlier, in September 2025, President Ramchandra Paudel approved the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill, 2082, which amended the Citizenship Act. That amendment clearly allowed people to obtain citizenship in their mother’s name when the father’s identity is not known.

The new regulation puts this amendment into practice, making the process clearer and easier. It is expected to help many people who were previously unable to access basic rights, services, and opportunities due to the lack of citizenship documents.