Nepal prepares to evacuate citizens from Israel and Iran amid ongoing conflict
June 20, Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has announced that the government is actively preparing to ensure the safety and potential evacuation of Nepali citizens in Israel and Iran, where escalating tensions have raised concerns.
Speaking at a joint meeting held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Ministries of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Home Affairs, Minister Dr. Rana emphasised that the government was taking all possible measures to safeguard its citizens and facilitate their return if desired.
The meeting focused on the evolving situation in Israel and Iran, where conflict has intensified since June 13. Minister Dr. Rana highlighted that the Nepali Embassy in Israel is actively coordinating efforts, including opening registration for Nepalis wishing to return home. She stated that the government was fully prepared to arrange evacuations for those who wished to return to Nepal.
She further noted that under the government-to-government (G2G) agreement, Israel was also responsible for assisting Nepali citizens who wish to relocate to safer areas or return home. The Nepali government has formally requested Israel’s cooperation in facilitating safe passage through border areas to neighbouring countries.
Labour Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari, also present at the meeting, affirmed that his ministry was in constant communication with Nepalis in the region. He added that labour permits for those planning to travel to Israel have been temporarily halted as a precautionary measure.
On June 13, the day hostilities between Israel and Iran began, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging both parties to exercise maximum restraint and seek resolution through dialogue. The ministry also advised Nepali citizens in the affected countries to stay in contact with Nepali diplomatic missions. On June 15, a travel advisory was issued, urging Nepalis to exercise utmost caution and providing contact details for support.
With air routes currently suspended in the region, the ministry has directed Nepali missions in Gulf countries to assist citizens seeking to travel to safer locations or neighbouring countries, including facilitating online visas. An online portal has been launched to collect details of Nepali citizens in Israel and Iran, with over 600 individuals already registered. The ministry reiterated its appeal for Nepalis to avoid non-essential travel to Israel or other Middle Eastern countries and issued a second travel advisory on Wednesday, urging heightened vigilance.
This week, Minister Dr. Rana met with Israel’s Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Bass, to discuss ensuring the safety of Nepali citizens in Israel. The Nepali Embassy in Israel and the Embassy in Qatar, which oversees Iran, have been instructed to maintain close contact with local authorities, organizations, and the Nepali community, providing real-time updates to the ministry.
Currently, an estimated 5,500 to 7,000 Nepalis reside in Israel, primarily in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, while 18 Nepali citizens are in Iran. The government remains committed to their safety and is prepared to act swiftly to bring them home if needed.
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