Bhairahawa: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba asserted that a significant portion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ responsibilities has recently been focused on rescuing stranded Nepalis abroad. Addressing a training organized by the Nepali Congress’s Central Training Academy, Minister Rana highlighted the growing challenges faced by Nepalis overseas, making rescuing them a primary task of the Foreign Ministry.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Rana acknowledged the difficulties in rescuing Nepalis globally due to limited resources, including human resources. She noted that while there are Nepali diplomatic missions in 40 countries, Nepalis reside in over 100 countries worldwide. The Ministry often lacks information on Nepalis’ whereabouts unless they encounter trouble and require rescue.
The Minister cited the case of Nepali medical students in Bangladesh to illustrate the challenges. The Ministry only became aware of the students’ presence after they needed assistance. Despite limited staff at the Nepali Embassy in Dhaka, efforts were made to bring the stranded students home. Similar situations persist elsewhere, and the Ministry continues to respond despite resource constraints.
Minister Rana expressed concern over the illegal migration of Nepali women to Middle Eastern countries for work, despite a government ban. She emphasized the difficulties in rescuing those who encounter problems abroad. Additionally, she clarified that the Ministry has introduced a new position to enhance consular services and expand Nepal’s foreign relations beyond traditional diplomacy. This initiative followed an Organization and Management survey.
The Minister also mentioned the establishment of Consulate offices in Texas and San Francisco in the USA, and Dubai in the UAE, where Nepali diplomatic missions were previously absent despite a significant Nepali population. She urged the Nepali Congress to launch campaigns in villages to create job opportunities for youths and promote self-sufficiency, in light of potential reductions in foreign assistance from countries like the USA.