Nepal Government Monitoring West Asia Conflict, Confirms Safety Measures for Citizens

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the government is serious regarding the recent developments in West Asia and the safety of Nepali citizens residing there. 

During a press conference held at the ministry on Friday, Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri informed that they are closely monitoring the Iran-Israel tensions and the situation in Lebanon.

According to the ministry, the 'Emergency Control Room' established to assist Nepalis in conflict-affected areas has been contacted 303 times so far. The ministry stated that there have been no new issues or contacts reported in the last 48 hours. 

The statistics remain unchanged, with one Nepali confirmed dead and 28 injured during this period of tension. Of the 11 Nepalis in Iran, two are preparing to return home, while eight have expressed no immediate desire to return.

Similarly, the ministry clarified that the release process for three Nepali citizens, including Amrit Jha, who were on a ship seized in Iran, is ongoing. Four out of the seven Nepalis on that ship have already been released.

The ministry also reported that 612 Nepalis trapped in online scamming centers operating in Southeast Asian countries have been rescued. Among those rescued, 487 were from Cambodia, 111 from Myanmar, 8 from Laos, and 6 from Thailand. Preparations are underway to repatriate an additional 53 individuals after processing their travel documents. Recently, a total of 14 Nepalis have been arrested in Cambodia, with 5 accused of organized fraud and 9 for other offenses.

Furthermore, considering the security situation in West Asia, the suspension of labor permits and re-entry labor permits has been lifted. Upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labor has resumed issuing labor permits for all labor destinations.