KATHMANDU: Amid escalating tensions and military exchanges between Iran, Israel and the United States in West Asia, concerns have grown about the safety of millions of Nepali migrant workers in the Gulf region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has said it is closely monitoring the situation but sees no immediate need to evacuate Nepali citizens. Officials say the government has begun advance preparations in case the situation worsens, while assuring families in Nepal that most Nepalis in the region remain safe.

What is the government’s current position on evacuating Nepali workers from the Gulf?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said there is no immediate need to evacuate Nepali workers from the Gulf region on security grounds. Foreign Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai told a press conference on March 11 that the government’s analysis so far indicates that Nepali citizens in the region are not facing direct threats to their lives. He urged people not to panic and said the same message should reach Nepali families and migrant workers living in West Asia.

How many Nepali workers are currently in the Gulf region?

Government data shows that around 1.9 million Nepali citizens are currently employed across Gulf countries. The region remains the largest destination for Nepali migrant workers. Each year, about 700,000 Nepalis leave the country for foreign employment, and roughly 65 percent—around 450,000 workers—head to Gulf nations. Because of this large presence, any instability in the region can have major implications for Nepal’s economy and labour migration.

Has the government made any preparations for a possible evacuation?

Yes. Officials say the government has already started planning in case a rescue operation becomes necessary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a “Situation Center” to track the status of Nepali citizens abroad. The center collects updated data on where Nepali workers are located and monitors developments in conflict zones. This system is meant to help the government organize evacuation or emergency support if the security situation deteriorates.

Have any Nepali citizens been affected by the recent attacks?

According to the ministry, 15 Nepali nationals were injured during missile and drone attacks linked to the Iran conflict. Six of them were injured in Israel. Officials say 14 of the injured workers have already recovered and returned to work after receiving treatment. One person remains under medical care but is in stable condition.

Has there been any Nepali fatality linked to the conflict?

Yes. A Nepali citizen named Dibas Shrestha from Gorkha died in the United Arab Emirates during a drone attack. His body has already been repatriated to Nepal and cremated. The Nepali Embassy in the UAE is currently working through diplomatic channels to secure compensation for the deceased.

Why hasn’t Nepal started evacuation efforts like some Western countries?

Officials say many Western countries have begun evacuating their citizens, but labour-sending countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have not started similar operations. Nepal is monitoring the actions of these countries while assessing the risks. The government says it is prepared to act if the situation worsens but believes evacuation is not necessary at this stage.

What challenges make evacuation difficult?

Evacuating millions of migrant workers would be a massive logistical challenge. Nepali workers are spread across multiple countries and cities in the Gulf. Authorities say large-scale evacuation would require extensive planning, transport coordination and diplomatic support from host nations. Because of these complexities, governments usually initiate such operations only when security risks become severe.

How important is the Gulf region for Nepal’s economy?

The Gulf region is extremely important for Nepal’s remittance-driven economy. In the fiscal year 2024–25, Nepal received Rs1.702 trillion in remittances, of which about Rs673 billion came from Gulf countries. During the first six months of fiscal year 2025–26, Nepal received Rs1.03 trillion in remittances, with Rs422 billion—around 41 percent—originating from the Gulf. This shows the region’s critical role in supporting Nepal’s economy.

Could the conflict affect Nepal economically?

Analysts say a prolonged conflict in the Gulf could have multiple economic consequences for Nepal. It could disrupt labour migration, reduce remittance inflows, and affect tourism and foreign trade. Air services passing through Gulf countries have already faced disruptions due to the escalating hostilities, raising concerns about possible broader economic impacts.

What assurance has the government given to Nepalis at home and abroad?

The government says Nepalis living in the Gulf and other parts of West Asia are currently safe and not direct targets of the conflict. Officials say they are closely monitoring developments and are prepared to take action if the security situation worsens. For now, authorities are urging people not to panic while assuring that the state will protect its citizens if necessary.