Nepal Preparing Measures to Protect Citizens in Gulf Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

The Government of Nepal has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to safeguard its citizens working in Gulf countries following escalating tensions in West Asia triggered by coordinated US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

The situation turned tragic after a Nepali national, Diwas Shrestha from Gorkha, lost his life in the United Arab Emirates in what officials described as an Iranian drone strike.

Registration Drive for Nepalis in Gulf

Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the government will soon launch a formal registration process for Nepali nationals residing across Gulf nations. The initiative aims to collect updated data that could be crucial for evacuation, welfare assistance, or emergency response if the crisis intensifies.

“We plan to call upon Nepalis in the Gulf to register so we can maintain accurate records. This information will help in repatriation efforts or any security-related measures if required,” a ministry official stated.

At present, only a limited number of Nepali citizens have officially requested assistance to return home. Authorities have advised those residing in affected areas to remain cautious and maintain contact with Nepali diplomatic missions.

Rapid Action Team to Be Formed

To ensure swift coordination, the government is forming a Rapid Action Team (RAT) under the leadership of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The team will include senior officials from multiple ministries and will work closely with Nepali embassies and local authorities in Gulf nations.

The RAT will assess the evolving situation and coordinate evacuation procedures if conditions deteriorate further. The announcement of the team was slightly delayed due to public holidays but is expected shortly, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri.

Prime Minister Assures Close Monitoring

Prime Minister Sushila Karki addressed the nation on Monday, stating that the government is carefully observing the developments in Iran and neighboring regions. She emphasized that ensuring the safety of Nepali citizens abroad remains the government’s top priority.

She confirmed that Nepali diplomatic missions across West Asia have been mobilized to monitor the situation and facilitate necessary security measures. In case of emergency, the government stands ready to act promptly.

The Prime Minister also urged Nepalis in the region to stay vigilant and maintain regular communication with their respective embassies.

NRNA Urges Immediate Action

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council has appealed to the government to take urgent diplomatic and security steps to protect Nepalis working in the Middle East.

Ramesh Shrestha, the Middle East coordinator of the NRNA, informed Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma about the growing concerns and recommended immediate preparations for evacuation if necessary.

According to the NRNA, more than two million Nepalis are employed in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The organization noted that recent missile strikes and military activities across several West Asian nations have heightened fear and uncertainty among the Nepali diaspora.

The NRNA also expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Nepali citizen in Abu Dhabi and stated that anxiety within the community has risen significantly since the incident.

Proposal for 24/7 Hotline and Coordinated Support

During a virtual meeting involving senior NRNA officials, several proposals were put forward to assist the Nepal government. These include establishing a round-the-clock emergency hotline in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepali diplomatic missions.

NRNA representatives in Middle Eastern countries have pledged to support emergency coordination efforts, facilitate information sharing, and assist Nepalis facing transit challenges while returning home.

If the regional conflict escalates further, the NRNA has urged the government to initiate structured and safe evacuation plans through diplomatic channels to bring Nepali citizens back from war-affected areas.