KATHMANDU: Following a request from Nepal government, the recruitment of Nepalis into the Russian army has reportedly ceased.
Some Nepali youths taken by intermediaries for recruitment have returned home without being enlisted.
Many who had already been recruited have also returned.
Since June, around 150 Nepalis have returned from the Russian army, according to government officials.
According to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 138 Nepalis have returned via the Nepali Embassy in Moscow.
Additionally, some Nepalis have returned without embassy assistance.
The Nepali Embassy in Moscow has reported that three Nepali national’s including Navaraj Gurung from Lamjung, are currently in contact with the embassy for repatriation.
Gurung is currently sheltered at the embassy.
He contacted the embassy after receiving permission from the Russian army to return home.
Previously, Nepal had submitted a list of 321 citizens to the Russian government, requesting their return from the Russian army.
Russia began recruiting foreign nationals into its army in September 2022, offering attractive salaries and benefits.
Some Nepali students studying in Russia began enlisting in April 2022, and later, more Nepalis voluntarily joined due to the lucrative pay.
Many were brought to Russia by human traffickers.
Subsequently, the Nepali Embassy in Moscow and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu urged through bilateral agreements that Nepalis should not be recruited into the Russian army.
On December 1, 2023, Nepal issued a diplomatic note requesting the cessation of Nepali recruitment into the Russian army, treatment for injured Nepalis, and compensation for the families of the deceased.
Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha also met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Yuriev in Tehran to discuss the issue.
Russian authorities have expressed a preference for handling the repatriation of Nepalis quietly, avoiding public attention on the matter.
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