Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has announced that the government is prepared to take all necessary actions to ensure the safety and evacuation of Nepali citizens residing in Israel and Iran, given the current escalating situation in the region. The government is ready to facilitate the return of those Nepalis who wish to come back home from these countries.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Rana conveyed this information during a joint meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Foreign Ministry. The discussions focused on the rising tensions between Israel and Iran and the implications for Nepali nationals in these countries.
The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that the Nepali Embassy in Israel is working in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and has opened registration for Nepalis who wish to return. She stressed that it is Israel’s responsibility to assist Nepalis, particularly those present under the G2G process, to ensure their safe return or relocation. The Israeli government has been asked to facilitate the movement of Nepalis to other countries through border areas if necessary.
Labour Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari mentioned that his ministry maintains constant communication with Nepalis in the region and highlighted the need for government preparations to assist those seeking to return. He noted that work permits have not been issued for individuals planning to travel to Israel.
Following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran on June 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. Nepalis in the affected regions were advised to remain in contact with their respective embassies. On June 15, a travel advisory was issued, urging maximum vigilance and providing contact details, amidst the closure of air routes in the region.
The Foreign Ministry has instructed all Nepali embassies in the Gulf to facilitate processes such as issuing ‘online visas’ for Nepalis wishing to relocate to safer areas or neighboring countries. An online portal has been established to collect information from Nepalis, with over 600 registrations to date.
A second travel advisory issued last Wednesday reiterated the call for caution among Nepalis in Israel and Iran, advising against travel to Israel or other Middle Eastern nations from Nepal. This week, Foreign Minister Dr. Rana met with Israeli Ambassador Shmulik Arie Bass to discuss the safety of Nepali citizens.
The Nepali Embassies in Israel and Qatar, responsible for Iran, have been directed to maintain close contact with regional authorities, organizations, and the Nepali community, providing real-time updates to the ministry. Currently, there are approximately 5,500 to 7,000 Nepalis in Israel, primarily in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, and 18 Nepalis in Iran.