KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has said the government remains alert to the safety of Nepali citizens in West Asia amid ongoing regional tensions.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Friday, MoFA spokesperson and Joint Secretary Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said the government’s priority is to ensure the safety of Nepalis in the region as the conflict continues due to the failure to fully implement ceasefire agreements.
He warned that a prolonged conflict could affect the security and employment of Nepali migrant workers and have broader economic consequences for Nepal, including disruptions to fuel supplies, construction, tourism and other sectors.
According to the ministry, no Nepali nationals in the region have so far been reported harmed, and their overall situation remains normal.
Chhetri reiterated Nepal’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable means of resolving conflicts. He also expressed Nepal’s support for the uninterrupted use of the Strait of Hormuz and efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the region.
The spokesperson also provided an update on Nepalis rescued from online scam centers operating in Southeast Asia.
He said a total of 860 Nepali nationals have so far been rescued, including 733 from Cambodia, 113 from Myanmar, eight from Laos and six from Thailand.
Chhetri added that 49 Nepali citizens are currently detained in prisons in Cambodia, and the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok is coordinating legal assistance for them.
The ministry has urged families of victims to file complaints with Nepal Police and other relevant authorities, providing accurate details about individuals involved in sending people abroad through illegal channels before seeking rescue assistance from the ministry or other government agencies.
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