With the Middle East teetering on the brink of wider conflict, Nepal’s government has sounded the alarm for its 1.7 million-plus citizens scattered across 12 nations. The fresh wave of Iranian counterstrikes on key Gulf states has heightened fears for these expatriates, many of whom are vital breadwinners back home.
Saturday’s Iranian response to US-Israel attacks targeted Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain—hotspots for Nepali migrant workers. Remittances from these laborers account for a staggering portion of Nepal’s GDP, making their safety a national economic imperative.
Foreign Ministry officials, led by Joint Secretary Ram Kazi Khadka, detailed the diaspora breakdown at a Kathmandu press conference: UAE (700,000), Saudi Arabia (384,865), Kuwait (175,000), and smaller numbers in Iraq, Bahrain, Oman, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, and just six in Iran.
Swift action in Iran saw four Nepalis repatriated already, with the other two set to follow imminently. Thankfully, no injuries or deaths have been confirmed among the community.
The response has been multifaceted: a stern travel advisory advises hunkering down and staying alert; a dedicated WhatsApp group ensures embassy-ministry synergy; and evacuation protocols are being fine-tuned with regional partners.
Drawing lessons from last June’s Israel-Iran clashes—where India rescued nine Nepalis—Kathmandu is preparing for worst-case scenarios sans its own Iranian diplomatic presence. Ties with the IOM promise bolstered support for any mass exodus.
Nepal’s diplomatic voice rings clear: de-escalate, safeguard innocents, and pursue peaceful resolutions. For families in Kathmandu waiting anxiously, the government’s vigilance offers a sliver of reassurance amid global turmoil.