Nepal’s Foreign Ministry is in overdrive, safeguarding over 1.72 million citizens in 12 Middle Eastern countries as US-Iran hostilities threaten to engulf the Gulf. The government’s Sunday briefing painted a stark picture of the risks facing this crucial expatriate population.
Iran’s reprisals against US-Israel operations hit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain hard, spiking regional instability. Nepali workers here send home remittances that prop up the Himalayan nation’s fragile economy.
Joint Secretary Ram Kazi Khadka broke down the numbers: 700,000 in UAE, 384,865 in Saudi Arabia, 175,000 in Kuwait, 30,000 in Iraq, 28,000 in Bahrain, 25,000 in Oman, 17,000 in Cyprus, 6,500 in Israel, 1,500 in Lebanon, 500 in Egypt, and a mere six in Iran.
In Iran, four have safely returned, six more are exiting soon—no losses reported. Safety is priority one, with advisories urging sheltering in place and heightened caution.
A WhatsApp hub connects embassies and headquarters for instant coordination. Evacuation readiness involves neighbors and international allies like the IOM, mindful of India’s aid in last year’s brief war.
Without an embassy in Iran, Nepal relies on partnerships. The kingdom urges all belligerents to prioritize civilian lives, dial back aggression, and embrace dialogue over destruction.
This crisis spotlights Nepal’s migrant dependency: these workers aren’t just numbers; they’re the backbone of families and the economy. Kathmandu’s measured yet firm actions aim to bring them home safe.