The government has issued fresh instructions requiring civil servants to declare their foreign nationality, along with the citizenship status and travel documents of their dependents. The Establishment Division sent an office memorandum on the matter to all ministries and divisions, aimed at enforcing the foreign nationality rules 2026.
Public servants have been directed to submit their declarations within 90 days. All ministries and divisions have also been told to provide details of the foreign nationality of their officials, and a proforma has been issued for the declarations.
What civil servants must declare under the order
Under the directive, civil servants must declare details regarding foreign citizenship, dual nationality, foreign spouses and dependents. The memorandum also says they must submit a declaration if they marry a foreign citizen.
- Foreign citizenship and dual nationality
- Foreign spouses and marriages to foreign citizens
- Foreign nationality and travel documents of dependents
Penalties for false or missing declarations
The memorandum warns that failure to comply with government orders, or providing false information, will result in departmental action. It says a false declaration will be treated as misconduct, and non-compliant officers will face proceedings under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.
The government has also hinted at legal action against officials who do not comply. An earlier report had said civil servants were directed to submit their declarations within a week, while the latest memorandum sets a 90-day period.
