Sunday, March 8, 2026

Nepali missions coordinate rescue amid war in West Asia

Kathmandu, Mar. 6

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that all Nepali missions located in the West Asia region are maintaining the closest possible contact and coordination with the government agencies of the respective countries and the Nepali community, and are collecting information regarding the situation of Nepali citizens there.

Stating that the government is fully aware of the recent developments occurring in West Asia, the MoFA said in a statement that continuous efforts are being made for the rescue, assistance, and facilitation of Nepali citizens who have encountered difficulties in those countries.

Nepalis in Israel, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and other countries in the region have been affected by the war that broke out between Israel and the USA and Iran.

According to the MoFA, Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma held a telephone conversation with his Bahraini counterpart, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, on Thursday evening.

During the call, they discussed the overall security situation of the region, the security strategies adopted by the Government of Bahrain, and the safety of Nepalis, among other matters. FM Sharma expressed his thanks to the Government of Bahrain for placing a high priority on the safety and welfare of Nepalis.

Likewise, the Ministry organised a virtual meeting with the 10 missions in the region to obtain updates from the missions regarding the safety and rescue of Nepali nationals in their respective jurisdiction. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai directed all heads of missions to work in a more coordinated and effective manner.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Control Room established at the MoFA has become fully operational and has begun to provide round-the-clock hotline service, email response, necessary coordination and preparation of situational reports. The ECR can be reached via telephone numbers 9744441227, 9744441228, 9744441229 (including WhatsApp, Viber, and Botim) and email emergency@mofa.gov.np.

Similarly, by Thursday evening, 33,910 Nepali citizens in West Asia have registered their information on the online registration system launched by the Department of Consular Services (DoCS). The registered details are being studied with priority by the DoCS and the relevant Nepali missions.

The Ministry said that the process for necessary action is being moved forward.

Meanwhile, on Thursday afternoon, two Nepalis were slightly injured by shrapnel in the ICAD area of Abu Dhabi. They have returned from the hospital following general treatment.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Sushila Karki had called Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to discuss the safety and welfare of Nepali citizens residing in Qatar. The war has affected more than 1.72 million Nepalis in various countries in West Asia. However, very few have expressed their desire to return home.

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 March 2026.      

No comments:

Post a Comment

Featured Story

Govt prepares primary draft of DRR Policy

Kathmandu, Apr. 29: The government has prepared the preliminary report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Policy and Strategic ...