KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana has said that the Government of Nepal is prepared to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and rescue of Nepali citizens currently in Israel and Iran.
Speaking at a joint meeting held on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—with representatives from the Ministries of Labor, Employment and Social Security; Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; and Home Affairs—Minister Rana stated that preparations are underway to facilitate the return of Nepalis who wish to come back home.
The meeting was convened to assess the situation created by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and to coordinate government response.
“It is also the responsibility of the Israeli government to ensure the safety and return of Nepali workers who entered under the G2G (government-to-government) agreement,” said Minister Rana.
“We have requested the Israeli authorities to assist in moving Nepalis to safer locations or facilitating their departure via border routes. The Government of Nepal stands ready to rescue those who wish to return.”
Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari informed the meeting that his ministry is in regular contact with Nepalis in the region and is working to identify those seeking repatriation.
He also noted that Nepalis currently preparing to leave for Israel have been held back due to the conflict and are not being issued work permits.
On June 13, the day hostilities between Israel and Iran escalated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging both sides to exercise maximum restraint and resolve the conflict through dialogue.
The ministry also advised Nepali citizens in both countries to stay in close contact with the Nepali embassies.
A travel advisory was issued on June 15, providing contact information and urging all Nepalis in the region to remain alert and take necessary precautions for their safety.
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