The government on Monday started issuing identity cards to non-resident Nepalis (NRNs). The move will enable NRNs to own a limited amount of property in Nepal and enter their former motherland without visa. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala handed over a card to Dev Man Hirachan, the president of NRN Association, marking the beginning of the distribution of the cards.

The identity cards are being prepared as per the Non-Resident Nepali Act and Regulations. Officials said the ID cards will be available both at the ministry and at 27 Nepali missions abroad. According to the NRN Regulations, NRNs will have to apply for the identity cards and the ministry and the missions will act on the applications within seven days. Such cards will be valid for 10 years in the case of non-resident foreigners of Nepali descent and for two years for non-resident Nepalis.

Upon getting the identity cards, Nepalis residing abroad will be able to own a maximum of two ropanis of land in Kathmandu Valley, eight katthas in municipalities in the Tarai districts, four ropanis in municipalities in other districts, one bigha in the villages of the Tarai and a maximum of 10 ropanis in other places in the country.

Similarly, NRNs will be allowed to take back profits from their investments in Nepal once they get their identity cards.

courtesy:myrepublica