KATHMANDU: Concerns have been raised over the safety of Nepalis living in the Middle East following Israeli and US attacks on Iran over the past two days.
Amid growing anxiety, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal on Sunday made public the updated details of Nepali nationals residing in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.
Joint Secretary Ramkaji Khadka said that a total of 1,729,288 Nepali citizens are currently residing in countries from Iran to Cyprus.
He said a travel advisory had already been issued on March 1 in view of the possible escalation of conflict, adding that the government is prepared for possible rescue operations if required.
Number of Nepalis in Middle Eastern countries:
Iran: 10 (6 still there, 4 returned)
Israel: 6,500
Egypt: 500
Oman: 25,000
Qatar: 357,913
Lebanon: 1,500
Saudi Arabia: 384,865
United Arab Emirates: Over 700,000
Bahrain: 28,000
Iraq: 30,000
Cyprus: 17,000
Kuwait: 175,000
The ministry said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the region.
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