Nepal changes citizenship law to include mother’s name

KATHMANDU– Nepal has made a major change to its citizenship law, giving more rights to women and children. In the past, children could only get Nepali citizenship through their father’s name. But now, with the new law, children can also receive citizenship through their mother’s name—even if the father’s identity is unknown or not listed.

This change is important for single mothers, women whose partners are absent, and children born in difficult situations. A Nepali mother can now sign a legal statement saying the father’s name is unknown, and her child will be granted citizenship.

The law also introduces juvenile identity cards for children under 16. These cards will help young people travel and access services while they wait to become eligible for full citizenship documents. In addition, children of parents who hold citizenship by birth can now apply for naturalized citizenship, making it easier for many families to gain legal recognition.

Many people are celebrating this change, saying it brings fairness and dignity to families who were previously left out. For years, mothers had to prove the father’s identity before their children could be recognized as Nepali citizens. This caused delays, stress, and emotional pain—especially in cases of abandonment or undocumented relationships.

However, some challenges still remain. Nepali women married to foreign men still face difficulties in passing citizenship to their children. Critics say this creates an unfair double standard, since Nepali men married to foreign women do not face the same restrictions.

Even with these concerns, the new law is seen as a big step forward. It shows Nepal’s growing commitment to equal rights and recognition of different family situations. For many families, this change brings hope, relief, and a stronger sense of belonging. It proves that a mother’s name matters—and that every child deserves to be seen and valued.