Kathmandu, Mar. 8
About 51,405 Nepali nationals residing in
West Asia have registered their details in the online registration system
launched by the Department of Consular Services (DoCS) by Saturday evening.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said
that the registered details will be reviewed on a priority basis, and necessary
procedures will be initiated for appropriate action as required.
Following the beginning of the war between
Israel-USA and Iran, the entire region in West Asia has been affected as the
latter targeted the US bases in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and several
others. These are the countries where a large number of Nepalis are working.
About 1.72 million Nepali nationals have
reached the 13 countries in the region including Cyprus and Egypt in Europe and
Africa through the formal channel and by obtaining work permit from the
Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). It is also estimated that a
significant number of Nepalis have reached those countries and are working
illegally.
However, a small number of Nepali citizens
working in West Asia have expressed their desire to return home.
Meanwhile, 50 transit passengers who were
denied food and accommodation by Kuwait Air have been provided with meals and
lodging by the Embassy of Nepal in Kuwait City in coordination with the
Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and the Nepali community.
"While the airspace over Qatar, Kuwait
and Iraq had been closed for flights, it has been reported that Doha
International Airport has partially reopened from Saturday to manage passengers
in transit," read a statement from the MoFA. Likewise, Dubai International
Airport, which had remained open until Friday, has been closed until further
notice. As some airspace has reopened, interested passengers may travel through
other airports in the United Arab Emirates, as well as through Saudi Arabia and
Oman.
The mortal remains of Nepali citizen Diwas
Shrestha, who was killed after being hit by a shrapnel in Abu Dhabi on March 1,
arrived in Nepal on Saturday. The body is handed over to the father and family
members of the deceased.
President of the United Arab Emirates,
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid tribute to late Shrestha and expressed
deep condolences to his relatives.
He praised the honesty, diligence and
commitment of Nepali citizens, and expressed confidence that relations between
the two countries would grow even stronger in the coming days.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a
telephone conversation with President Al Nahyan on Saturday and expressed
gratitude for prioritising the safety of all citizens, including Nepali
nationals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a
special appeal to all Nepali citizens to remain calm, vigilant and cautious
during this difficult period, and to refrain from recording or sharing
photographs, videos or audio materials that may violate the law.
In case of any difficulties, Nepalis in
West Asia can immediately inform the MoFA through the telephone numbers or
email of the Emergency Action Room, or contact the Nepali diplomatic missions
in the respective countries using the contact numbers or email addresses they
have provided.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 March 2026.
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