1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

In his presentation on the issue, the Home Minister reminded the members that,
as reported during the past sessions of the National Assembly, the Royal
Government has always been very clear about its policy on the people in the
camps in Nepal who are claiming to be Bhutanese refugees. The ministerial-
level talks between Bhutan and Nepal have agreed to harmonise the positions of
the two governments on the four agreed categories of people in the camps
simultaneously with the verification of the first camp. As the hon’ble members
are aware, the four agreed categories are;
(i) Bonafide Bhutanese if they have been evicted forcefully;
(ii) Bhutanese who have emigrated;
(iii) Non Bhutanese people;
(iv) Bhutanese who have committed criminals acts.
The Royal Government and His Majesty the King have always made it clear
from the very beginning that the Royal Government will take full responsibility
for any Bhutanese found to have been forcefully evicted from Bhutan. Such
people would be genuine refugees.
Regarding Category 2, the Royal Government has made it clear that those who
have emigrated should be dealt with in keeping with the citizenship and
immigration laws of Bhutan and Nepal. The Royal Government has also agreed
that if any Bhutanese who emigrated is found to have been forcefully made to
leave the country, that person would fall under Category 1 and will be dealt with
accordingly.
Regarding Category 3, those persons found to be non Bhutanese and have come
from other countries must return to their respective countries.
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