KATHMANDU: Concerns are rising over the safety of approximately 1.729 million Nepalis residing in the Middle East after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming the death of a Nepali citizen in the UAE.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Ramkaji Khadka, Joint Secretary and head of the Central Asia, West Asia, and Africa Division, informed that 29-year-old Diwas Shrestha from Gorkha died in a drone attack in Iran. According to Khadka, all other Nepalis are safe so far, and there have been no reports of injuries.
The Ministry has held two briefings since the Iranian attacks began — one on Monday and another on Tuesday. Khadka said Nepal maintains good diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern countries and that the governments concerned have given high priority to the safety of Nepalis and other foreign nationals.
A high-level “Response Team” led by the Foreign Secretary and including senior officials from various ministries was formed on Tuesday. Nepali embassies in the affected countries have also been instructed to provide regular updates on the situation.
Situation in Israel and Qatar
As of Tuesday morning, Nepalis in Israel have not been attacked, and their safety is reported to be normal. The Israeli Defense Forces’ Home Front Command had suspended social activities and schools until Saturday. Reports indicate 11 Israeli citizens died — two in Tel Aviv and nine in Beit Shemesh — but no Nepalis were affected.
Nepalis in Doha, Qatar, are also reported safe. The Nepali Embassy in Doha issued Information Notice No. 2 confirming that all Nepalis remain secure. Since Qatar’s airspace is closed, Nepalis in transit are staying in hotels with food and lodging arrangements made by the airlines.
Situation in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain
Six Nepalis in Iran are in contact with the Nepali embassy. In Saudi Arabia, reports indicate a fire at the Ras Tanura refinery in the Eastern Province and two drone strikes in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter.
Some Nepalis in transit at various airports have been accommodated in hotels with the coordination of the respective governments. While efforts are being made to prioritize their return home, the worsening situation has delayed concrete decisions.
In Bahrain, attacks continue, and significant damage has been reported at a U.S. military base, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry continues to monitor developments closely and coordinate with embassies to ensure the safety and security of Nepalis across the region.
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