Non-Resident Nepali Association Urges Government Action for Nepali Citizens in the Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has drawn the attention of the government regarding the safety and emergency coordination for Nepali citizens residing in the Middle East. A delegation led by NRNA President Dr. Badri KC met with Foreign Ministry Secretary Bharat Bahadur Rai to highlight the concerns.

During the meeting, President KC stated that the latest developments in the Middle East region have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the major labor destination countries there. He also informed that the NRNA International Coordination Council is closely monitoring the recent events in the Middle East and is gathering information about the status of Nepalis residing there.

Recalling the NRNA's effective role in the successful rescue, repatriation, and rehabilitation of Nepalis facing difficulties in various countries, including the Middle East, through its Relief, Repatriation, and Rehabilitation (RRR) program during the COVID-19 pandemic, he mentioned that the NRNA is fully prepared to provide necessary assistance in the current situation by activating the same experience, network, and structure.

Furthermore, Dr. KC urged for the immediate establishment of an emergency mechanism through high-level coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security, the Department of Foreign Employment, the Foreign Employment Board, the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund, the Social Security Fund, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the NRNA. He also stated that the NRNA is ready to take immediate initiatives for the rescue, safe transfer, and necessary relief management of Nepali citizens in the Middle East through the Nepal Government or the NRNA's own mechanism, if required.

Secretary Rai informed that following the recent developments in the West Asia region, the Nepal Government has formed a 'Rapid Action Team' and started working for the safety and potential rescue of hundreds of thousands of Nepali citizens there.

He further stated that this team, formed under the coordination of the Foreign Secretary as per the decision of the Ministerial level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will move forward by including the NRNA. This team will coordinate with relevant bodies and international organizations to take necessary steps. He also informed that arrangements have been made to provide regular information and necessary assistance to Nepali citizens there.

Moreover, mentioning that the government has started a system for citizens to report their problems and queries through an online portal, he said, "We are always ready for cooperation."

Also present at the occasion were Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri, Chief of the Division for Coordination of Labor Migration and Non-Resident Nepalis Pushpa Raj Bhattarai, Chief of the Division looking after the West Asia region Ram Kaji Khadka, Under Secretary (Law) Raja Ram Dahal. From the NRNA side, ICC Secretary Parasmani Pokhrel, ICC Member Bhavindra Basnet, NRNA CEO Rajendra Kumar Raut, and Senior Communication and Foreign Employment Officer Indra Laxmi Ghimire were also present.