Kathmandu has decided to halt the issuance of work permits for Gulf nations due to escalating conflicts in the region, particularly following recent Iranian military actions. On Sunday, an emergency Cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence concluded that permits for workers travelling to Gulf countries would be temporarily suspended over security concerns. Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Rajendra Singh Bhandari, confirmed the suspension, emphasizing the heightened risk associated with the current situation in the Middle East.

Government Monitoring Security Developments

The Department of Foreign Employment had previously been issuing work permits regularly. However, recent developments prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to closely monitor official communications from host nations while assessing the evolving security landscape. During an emergency press conference, officials stated that safeguarding the lives of Nepali citizens abroad remains a priority for the government. Ramkaji Khadka, Joint Secretary in the MoFA’s Central Asia, West Asia and Africa Division, highlighted the need to stay vigilant in light of ongoing developments.

Protection Measures for Nepalis Abroad

According to the Foreign Ministry, there are approximately 1,729,288 Nepali nationals currently employed in the Middle East. In anticipation of potential evacuation scenarios or emergency support, the ministry has instructed the Department of Consular Services to set up an online registration platform enabling Nepalis in the region to share their information. Additionally, officials are working on establishing a 24-hour consular response hotline to provide immediate assistance in emergencies.

Formation of Emergency Rescue Teams

Steps are being taken to establish a multi-stakeholder emergency rescue team coordinated by Foreign Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai. This team will comprise representatives from various ministries, security agencies, and other relevant organizations. The ministry has recognized four categories of Nepalis currently facing difficulties: travelers unable to depart due to visa issues; passengers encountering problems at airports upon arrival; individuals stranded in transit, especially those traveling to Europe and the United States; and migrant workers unable to reach their employers in destination countries.

No Confirmed Casualties, Continued Caution Urged

As of now, there are no confirmed reports of Nepali casualties related to the ongoing tensions, but the ministry emphasizes the importance of remaining alert. The Nepalese government urges all involved parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalations while ensuring civilian safety. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for resolving disputes through diplomatic means and stresses the need to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, consistent with the UN Charter and international law.

Significance of Gulf Countries for Nepali Workers

The Gulf nations are vital destinations for Nepali workers seeking employment opportunities. The recent rise in military actions in the Middle East has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of Nepali nationals in the region. Data shows that among the six major Gulf countries, the United Arab Emirates hosts the largest number of Nepali workers, estimated at over 600,000, followed by Qatar with around 500,000. Other countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman also have sizeable Nepali communities.

Growing Trend of Migration for Opportunities

In Nepal, which has a population of less than 30 million, the trend of seeking better opportunities abroad is growing, particularly among the youth. Many young individuals are seen departing from Tribhuvan International Airport to work as wage laborers in Gulf countries. Currently, around 1,500 Nepali youths are leaving the airport in pursuit of better lives and opportunities in the Middle East.

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