West Asia Conflict Poses Major Challenge for New Nepali Government Amid Concerns for Expat Workers

Kathmandu. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured nearly a two-thirds majority in the recently concluded House of Representatives election, had presented Balendra (Balen) Shah as the Prime Ministerial candidate while seeking votes from the public. If the RSP maintains this decision, Balen Shah is set to assume the role of the country's chief executive as Prime Minister within a few days.

However, the conflict in West Asia appears to be the main challenge for Balen Shah as soon as the government is formed. There are over 1.9 million Nepalis in the West Asia region, and concerns for their safety are mounting. Issues such as how to safely bring back Nepalis residing in West Asian countries and how to integrate returning Nepalis who have lost their foreign employment into the Nepali labor market are expected to be a true test for the new government.

Lok Bahadur Chhetri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, 'We are currently investigating the condition of the Nepalis and gathering necessary information. According to the details received so far, apart from the death of one Nepali in Dubai, no other Nepali has suffered any harm. If any Nepali is in great difficulty and wishes to return to Nepal, they should contact the embassy in the respective country; the ministry has issued various numbers for this purpose.'

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that some Nepalis injured in drone attacks have been treated and are now in stable condition. The government has formed an 'Emergency Rescue Team' coordinated by Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The ministry stated that this team is currently engaged in various tasks.

Nepalis working at Qatar's major gas hub, Ras Laffan, were alarmed following the Iranian attack. They have been moved to a safe location. Contacting Ratopati this morning, one worker showed the situation via video, stating that they had no certainty whether they would live or die. He mentioned that there was fire everywhere and nowhere to hide.

'The company has already taken our passports. We are looking for a way to return, but neither the embassy nor any other body is taking any initiative,' he told Ratopati.

Although the fire there has been brought under control, it is reported that the production of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has suffered extensive damage, which is expected to have a major impact on global energy.

Meanwhile, Iran's drone attacks continue against Saudi Arabia and Dubai, causing anxiety among the Nepalis working there. In Dubai, the drone attack affected the gas plant, and many Nepalis are reported to be affected there as well.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it is gathering information about Nepalis in the Gulf countries. According to the details received so far, the Nepalis there are safe.

Lok Bahadur Chhetri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that their entire focus is on the escalating conflict in the West Asia region. He mentioned that discussions are underway on how to keep the Nepalis there safe and how to bring them back.

Durpada Sapkotta, Director General of the Consular Services Department, stated that Nepalis in the Gulf countries are safe and the process of bringing back those who wish to return to Nepal has begun. 'Some flights are operating back and forth,' she said, 'Any Nepali citizen who wishes to come after completing the procedures is arriving.'

She added that as the conflict escalates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been urging Nepalis through its subordinate bodies to stay safe.