Over 72,000 Nepali Nationals Register to Return Home Amid Escalating West Asia Tensions

Kathmandu. More than 72,000 Nepali citizens have registered their details to return home due to the ongoing tension in West Asia. This figure reflects the number of people who registered on the online registration system launched by the Consular Services Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of Sunday evening.

The war, which began after the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, has now spread to the Gulf region. Iran is retaliating by targeting US military bases in the Gulf nations. This has raised concerns for the safety of over 1,729,000 Nepalis working there.

The government started collecting details of those wishing to return to Nepal from February 21. According to Lok Bahadur Chhetri, spokesperson for the Consular Department, more than 72,000 details have been registered. This statistic covers the entire Gulf region, and separate data for each country has not been compiled. 

Among those registered, reasons cited include expired visas, the need to return due to personal and domestic problems, and inability to secure tickets. Since the list of returnees will be prepared by the Nepali embassies in the respective countries, the exact number of those who have returned so far has not been confirmed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is continuously gathering information about the situation of Nepalis through embassies and concerned bodies. Governments of the respective countries have been informing migrant workers in the Gulf about the risks via mobile messages. According to a Nepali national in Qatar, companies have arranged travel to and from work as security risks have increased, and some are conducting daily work based only on the situation at the workplace.

20,000 Workers Stranded in Nepal

The escalating war and tension in West Asia have directly impacted Nepal's foreign employment sector. Due to affected air travel and increased security risks, approximately 20,000 Nepali workers who had completed all procedures and received visas are stranded in Nepal, unable to fly abroad.

Rajendra Bhandari, former president of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs, stated that hundreds of Nepalis are losing foreign employment opportunities daily due to the tension in the Middle East. In normal circumstances, about 350,000 Nepali workers used to go to the Gulf countries annually. Accordingly, around 25,000 per month and 800 to 900 Nepalis used to fly for employment daily.

According to Bhandari, in the last 20 days, 18,000 to 20,000 people have been unable to leave despite having visas. Bhandari mentioned that the war is likely to be prolonged, and sending workers is currently not feasible due to security concerns. Although employing companies have not yet decided to terminate contracts and send workers back, Nepali workers in the destination countries are in a state of panic due to the war.

Bhandari pointed out that many Nepalis abroad face further problems because their visas have expired or they are ill, coupled with the disruption of regular flights. Workers who have completed all preparations and even booked tickets are being held back in Nepal, adding to their financial burden.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Nepali missions are continuously active for the safety, interests, and welfare of Nepalis in West Asian countries. The missions are continuously coordinating for the rescue and assistance of Nepalis in trouble.

The Ministry has requested that people check the information from the concerned airlines, bodies, and missions for updates regarding air travel. The relevant bodies in most countries in the region are updating security precautions and awareness information daily. It has been requested to stay informed about the notices, information, precautions, and news issued by local governments and Nepali missions.

Although air travel is not fully regular in most parts of the West Asia region, limited operations are underway from some locations. Limited flights by Flydubai and Air Arabia are operational in the United Arab Emirates.