Nepal Shortens Missing Persons Declaration to 45 Days
Nepal's government has reduced the wait time for declaring missing persons as deceased from 12 years to 45 days following recent floods.
The new ordinance allows families of 5,285 missing individuals to obtain death certificates.
189 Indians among those missing in the August 26 floods can now pursue claims.
The process requires proof of presence in flood-affected areas and coordination with Indian authorities.
In a significant policy shift, the Nepalese government has announced a reduction in the waiting period for declaring individuals missing in disasters as deceased, from 12 years to just 45 days. This change, formalized through an ordinance issued by President Ram Chandra Poudel, comes as families of 5,285 people, including at least 189 Indian nationals, seek closure following the devastating floods that occurred on August 26.
The ordinance was enacted on the recommendation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah's cabinet and took effect immediately. It allows families to obtain death certificates, enabling them to pursue compensation, insurance claims, and inheritance rights. This measure is particularly crucial for the families of the missing individuals, who have been left in limbo since the floods.
To initiate the process, families must provide evidence that their loved ones were present in the flood-affected regions on the date of the disaster. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu will assist in verifying these details, while local registration offices in Nepal will handle the applications. Required documents include nationality proofs, police reports, and, when necessary, certification from the embassy.
Once the death certificates are issued by Nepalese authorities and consular formalities are completed, families can utilize these documents in India to claim inheritance and insurance benefits. However, the ordinance does not clarify whether foreign nationals will be eligible for compensation under Nepal's disaster relief policies, leaving some uncertainty for affected families.
Looking ahead, the implementation of this ordinance is expected to streamline the process for families seeking justice and support in the aftermath of the floods. As the situation develops, further clarity on compensation for foreign nationals may emerge, impacting the families of those still unaccounted for.
