Government Forms Rapid Action Team to Ensure Safety of Nepalis in West Asia

Kathmandu, March 3 — Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the government has formed a rapid action team to ensure the safety and possible rescue of Nepali nationals living and working in the conflict-affected region.

The team, constituted on Tuesday under the coordination of the Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been tasked with gathering regular updates, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and recommending necessary measures to safeguard hundreds of thousands of Nepalis in West Asia — a major destination for foreign employment.

The multi-agency mechanism includes representatives from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Home, Finance, Law, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Education, and Labour, Employment and Social Security, among others. The team will also coordinate with neighbouring countries and international agencies to facilitate assistance and rescue efforts if required.

The formation of the team was announced during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal on Tuesday. Ramkaji Khadka, Chief of the Middle East, West Asia and Africa Division at the Ministry, said the team has already begun work in line with its mandate.

Efforts are underway to coordinate with concerned airlines and agencies to arrange food and accommodation for Nepalis stranded in transit due to flight disruptions.

The situation in West Asia deteriorated after Iran launched retaliatory attacks following a joint military strike by the United States and Israel last Saturday. Initially targeting US military bases, Iran has reportedly expanded its strikes to airports, oil refineries and other sensitive infrastructures across the region.

The conflict has heightened concerns among more than 1.9 million Nepalis residing and working in various West Asian countries. Dozens of international flights to and from the region have been cancelled, leaving many Nepalis stranded either en route or awaiting departure.

Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said ensuring the safety of Nepali citizens in the affected region remains the government’s top priority. He added that eight Nepali embassies and two consulate general offices in the region are closely monitoring developments and coordinating protective measures.

The Ministry has also issued a travel advisory urging Nepalis to strictly follow security directives issued by local authorities. Additionally, an online portal has been launched for Nepali citizens in the affected countries to register and receive regular updates, facilitating better communication and coordination during the crisis.