Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has announced that the government is prioritizing the safety of Nepali citizens residing in conflict zones amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. This statement was made in response to questions posed by Members of Parliament during a discussion on the appropriation bill in the House of Representatives.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted that the ministry had issued travel-related advisories on June 15, providing detailed contact information and urging Nepalis in Israel and Iran to exercise maximum caution. Nepali ambassadors in the respective countries have been instructed to coordinate efforts to ensure the safety of citizens.
Minister Rana further informed that an online portal was launched on June 17 to gather information on Nepali citizens in these regions, with 885 individuals having registered so far. The registration process is ongoing. She also mentioned that, starting June 18, all Nepali missions in the Gulf have been tasked with facilitating online visas and other assistance for Nepalis wishing to relocate to safer areas or neighboring countries due to the suspension of air routes.
In a related context, Minister Deuba mentioned that the Jordanian government has recognized the need to assist foreign nationals traveling from Israel to their borders, as documented on June 19, 2025. The Nepali embassy is in communication with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate this process. Additionally, the Nepal government has requested assistance from the Indian government to rescue 16 Nepalis in Iran, with efforts underway to repatriate 11 of them.
Efforts are also being made to address the situation of five Nepalis detained in Iran due to immigration laws, with the Nepali Embassy in Doha working on the necessary paperwork for their return. The Foreign Affairs Minister stated that a rapid response group is being formed to expedite the rescue and repatriation process from Israel and Iran.
Minister Deuba also addressed broader foreign policy initiatives, emphasizing economic diplomacy and encouraging Nepali missions abroad to engage in trade, foreign investment, tourism, and technology. The Ministry is also focused on promoting cultural and tourism diplomacy, with preparations for Nepal’s transition from a least developed country to a middle-income developing country by 2026 underway.
The Minister clarified that ambassador appointments are conducted according to existing rules, and labor attach©s are deputed based on recommendations from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security. The Ministry is also expanding its foreign service missions and personnel, prioritizing digital archiving and data management.
The budget allocation for the Ministry has seen a slight increase for the upcoming fiscal year, though capital expenditures have decreased. The Ministry has collected Rs 8.10 billion in revenue, with total expenditures reaching Rs 6.78 billion and capital expenditures accounting for 50.09 percent.
Lastly, Minister Deuba emphasized the Ministry’s vigilance in safeguarding national security and interests, reiterating Nepal’s commitment to ensuring its territory is not used against neighboring countries.