Nepal Launches Border Survey to Verify Residency, Identify Dual Citizenship and Undocumented Residents

BHAIRAHAWA, Nepal, July 18 — Nepalese authorities have launched a special verification drive in districts along the India-Nepal border to identify individuals suspected of holding dual citizenship or residing in the country without valid legal documents, according to local administrative officials.

The campaign involves door-to-door surveys in several border communities, where officials are verifying citizenship certificates, national identity cards, proof of residence, and other supporting documents.

Authorities said the exercise is aimed at updating official population records, ensuring compliance with Nepal’s citizenship and residency laws, and strengthening administrative oversight in sensitive border areas.

The survey has drawn attention in border communities, particularly among residents whose legal status or documentation may be incomplete. However, officials have not released any figures on the number of people being verified or identified so far.

Nepal and India share an open border that allows extensive cross-border movement and has fostered deep family, social, and business ties for decades. The verification campaign seeks to ensure that individuals residing in Nepal possess documentation in accordance with Nepalese law while maintaining accurate government records.

Authorities have not yet announced what legal or administrative action, if any, will be taken against individuals found to be in violation of citizenship or residency regulations.

Officials have urged residents to cooperate with verification teams by providing accurate information and presenting all required documents during the survey.