Kathmandu, 4 April: Due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the government of Nepal has begun a study to minimize its multidimensional impacts on the country. As the evolving war situation in West Asia disrupts global and regional supply chains, its effects are increasingly being felt in the daily lives and kitchens of ordinary Nepalis.
To balance the rising fuel prices and declining supply, the government has initiated a study to explore alternative solutions. As part of this effort, the rescue of Nepali citizens has already been implemented since Friday. The national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines, will bring back those wishing to return home from Dubai and Saudi Arabia through four flights.
Under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal, a short-term study will be completed within seven days, and a medium- and long-term study within 30 days. The report is expected to help in the timely assessment and management of the multidimensional impacts on Nepal’s economy, foreign employment, supply chain, energy, and social sectors due to the evolving situation in the Middle East.
A task force led by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal includes representatives from the ministries of labor, finance, industry, supply, and energy.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Friday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lok Bahadur Kshetri, said that work has begun by expanding governance efforts into 10 key points. In addition, the task force formed to streamline the current supply chain has identified further action points. He stated, “The ministry is working seriously to implement the good governance agenda passed in the first Cabinet meeting following the formation of the government.”
According to him, the 10-point plan includes drafting an amendment bill to the Passport Act, 2070; introducing a new passport distribution system with home delivery; expanding consular services; improving service delivery through the use of artificial intelligence (AI); and studying ways to make citizen-funded evacuation from West Asia more effective.
Similarly, strategies will be developed to create mobile apps to support consular services, enable online payment of fees for passport services, and establish a rescue assistance fund to manage evacuation, visa arrangements, and repatriation of deceased citizens abroad.
Additionally, plans include streamlining online application systems to locate undocumented Nepalis abroad, facilitate compensation for stranded individuals, and establish a front help desk at the Department of Foreign Employment.
According to Ramkaji Khadka, member-secretary of the task force and chief of the West Asia, Central Asia, and Africa Division, a detailed report analyzing the international and regional supply crisis caused by tensions in West Asia will be prepared. The study is being conducted under seven key areas.
These include reviewing crisis management policies adopted by other countries and formulating appropriate policies and diplomatic strategies for Nepal. It will also assess the overall situation in West Asia and evaluate its social and economic impacts on Nepal. The safety and employment status of approximately 1.8 million Nepali workers legally employed in the region will also be assessed.
11 Nepalis detained, 38 bodies yet to be repatriated
Since the start of the conflict in West Asia, 11 Nepali nationals have been detained in various countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, three are in the United Arab Emirates, four in Saudi Arabia, one in Qatar, two in Oman, and one in Iran.
Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Kshetri stated that Amrit Jha was detained before the conflict began, and his case is currently under judicial review. He has been granted the opportunity to seek legal assistance after meeting with a lawyer. The other 10 individuals were reportedly detained for cyber-related offenses. Nepali embassies in those countries are facilitating necessary support.
The ministry also clarified that the bodies of 38 Nepalis who died due to various reasons have yet to be brought back. According to officials, the bodies are located in Oman (1), Abu Dhabi (4), Dubai (15), Riyadh (17), Tel Aviv in Israel (2), Bahrain (1), and Qatar (4). Authorities have requested Nepal Airlines to assist in repatriating the bodies from countries where flights are operating and to provide subsidized tickets for economically disadvantaged citizens.
The government has also repeatedly urged citizens not to post photos, videos, or content from conflict-affected countries on social media, warning that doing so could lead to arrest and further complications. It has been reported that no Nepali citizens are currently stranded at airports. So far, 86,420 individuals have registered their status through online platforms.
