Former NRNA Chair Urges High-Level Diplomatic Efforts for Nepali Citizens in the Middle East Amid Tensions

Kathmandu. Former Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Chairman RK Sharma has stressed the need for the government to undertake high-level diplomatic initiatives to enhance the security and morale of Nepali citizens residing in the Middle East.

Presenting his views during a virtual meeting organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, in the context of the Middle East being affected following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, Sharma stated that an effective state presence is necessary in the current volatile situation. 

In the meeting, which included the Foreign Secretary, NRNA Chairman Badri KC, and others, Sharma mentioned that heads of state and government of other friendly nations are directly contacting the leaders of the respective Middle Eastern countries to express concern over the safety of their citizens. Although it is understood that the Prime Minister of Nepal has also made initial contact with some heads of state, Sharma suggested further expanding this diplomatic activity and initiating regular dialogue from time to time. Sharma argued that such dialogue would make Nepalis abroad feel that the state is with them, further strengthening their morale.

Similarly, he drew the government's attention to the immediate need to add staff at Nepali embassies abroad, considering the pressure of service seekers and the current situation. If immediate staff management is not possible, he urged Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Sharma to operate a 'Helpdesk' with 24-hour phone response through collaboration with social organizations. 

Sharma also emphasized that the government must regularly provide official information through press briefings and media releases to give accurate information to citizens and protect them from misinformation. Citing examples of other countries regularly disseminating targeted messages to their citizens, he expressed confidence that the Government of Nepal adopting a similar practice would provide greater confidence and morale to the workers. 

Presenting suggestions on behalf of Nepalis in the Middle East, Sharma stated that the government must be serious about the security of millions of Nepalis and that their safety must be guaranteed through diplomatic means. Approximately 1.8 million Nepalis are employed in the Middle East.