Opposition in Madhes to the proposal to grant citizenship to a foreign bride after 7 years

The State Management Committee of the House of Representatives on Sunday passed a resolution to grant citizenship only after seven years, despite protests from the main opposition parties, the Nepali Congress and the Terai-centric parties.

 The bill to amend the Citizenship Act 2063 was passed by a majority in the Public Administration Committee on Sunday.  In Province No. 2, the Congress and the Janata Samajwadi Party have also staged demonstrations against it.  Protests have taken place in most of the districts of Province No. 2.  Some lawmakers of the ruling CPN (Maoist) have also protested against the proposal.

 Matrika Yadav and Prabhu Sah have opposed the proposal in the bill.  They argue that this provision would create social, cultural and family complications.  There is a tradition of bringing Nepalis from India to the Terai and getting married in India.  According to the new provision on citizenship, those who come to Nepal from abroad to become brides have to wait for seven years to get citizenship.