Thailand has announced it will provide citizenship to 1,200 Nepali families, who have been living in the country for business and other purposes for a extended time, Space Time said Wednesday.

Such an announcement came in the 4th meeting of Nepal-Thailand Joint Consultation Commission that concluded in Kathmandu Tuesday, the daily said.

In the meeting, Secretary at the Thai Foreign Ministry, Dr. Tez Bumang said, “Thai government is undergoing preparations to issue citizenships to 1,200 Nepali families living in the country.”

He further said that the Thai Ministry for Internal Affairs has already issued directives to concerned authorities regarding the issuance of the citizenship.

After having received the citizenship certificates, Nepalis concerned will enjoy rights and facilities at par with the native Thai citizens, the daily said.

An agreement was also signed to issue long-term visas to Nepali businessmen, who have to visit Thailand frequently, the daily said. The Thai team also expressed commitment to help build a maternity hospital in Lumbini, according to the daily.