KATHMANDU: The government has urged Nepalis living and working in the Middle East to follow the security protocol in the concerned countries in the context of the evolving situation in the region.

The number of Nepali migrant workers in the Middle Eastern countries is believed to be 1.7 million plus.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the safety of the Nepali citizens in the Middle Eastern countries was the top priority of the government and asked the Nepali citizens there to apply top security caution.

The situation in the Middle Eastern countries remains tensed as the USA and Israel made a joint military attack on Iran on Saturday, and Iran’s retaliation.

In a press meet today, Joint Secretary at the Foreign Ministry Krishna Prasad Dhakal said Nepalis in the Middle Eastern countries are safe so far and added that the Government of Nepal was closely observing the evolving situation.

The Ministry stated that it was working to form a Rapid Action Team to address the situation Nepalis facing in the evolving situation.
It is said that there are six Nepalis in Iran, 6,500 in Israel, 500 in Egypt, 25,000 in Oman and 357,000 in Qatar.

Likewise, the number of Nepalis in Kuwait is 175,000, while 3,000 in Jordon and 28,000 in Bahrain.

Similarly, 384,865 Nepalis are in Saudi Arabia, 478,144 Nepalis in the UAE, 1,500 in Lebanon, 30,000 in Iraq and 17,000 in Cyprus.
During the press meeting, the Ministry’s Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri shared that the government was making needed efforts for the safety of Nepalis in the Middle Eastern countries.

He asked the Nepali citizens there to remain indoors, follow the notices and remain in contact with the embassies of Nepal and the Ministry.
Issuing a press statement today, Nepal has expressed its deep concern over the evolving situation in the Middle East and is closely observing the developments there.

“Nepal urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from further escalating tensions, and ensure the protection of civilians. Nepal calls for resolving the differences through diplomacy and dialogue,” the Foreign Ministry’s statement read.

It mentioned that Nepal emphasizes that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States should be respected in line with the UN Charter and international law, adding that Nepal views the rules-based international order and the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security should be upheld.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has issued an advisory asking Nepalis there to strictly abide by the security directives.

The Ministry has asked the Nepali citizens to strictly adhere to the security advisories and instructions.

The Ministry has urged Nepalis in the Middle East to remain indoors as much as possible, stay vigilant, exercise due caution, and maintain regular contact with the Nepali community in their respective locations.

Refrain from traveling without prior authorization from the relevant authorities of Israel and Iran.

Nepali nationals residing and working in the Middle Eastern countries are advised to constantly monitor developments and follow precautionary measures as suggested by the competent authorities of the respective countries, it said.