Govt getting ready to rescue Nepalis from Israel, Iran

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, June 20: The government is making preparations for rescuing Nepalis from Iran and Israel.

At a joint meeting among Labour Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Home Ministry and Foreign Ministry held today at the Foreign Ministry, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba said that the government is preparing for rescue of Nepalis in Iran and Israel due to developing situation of intense conflicts there.

The Embassy of Nepal in Israel has opened registration for Nepalis willing to return home for Israel at this time, said the Minister, according to the secretariat of Minister Dr Rana. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has said Nepal is prepared to rescue Nepalis from Israel and Iran amid increasing conflict in the countries, assuring the government's commitment to taking all possible measures for the safety and rescue of those wanting to return home. 

She informed that the Nepali Embassy in Israel is working actively in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that the online registration has been opened for those wishing to return home and the government is preparing to make arrangements for their safe repatriation. 

“If Nepalis who reached Israel under the government-to-government employment process want to return home or go to a safe place, it is also the responsibility of Israel to facilitate the process. The Israeli government has been requested to help them go to safer countries through the border area. The government of Nepal is ready to rescue them if they wish to return home.”

Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharad Singh Bhandari said that the ministry is also in constant contact with the Nepalis in the war-torn countries, assuring Nepal's preparations for their rescue if they want to return home. He also informed that work permits have been temporarily halted for Israel due to the situation. 

Following the outbreak of the conflict on June 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement requesting both sides to exercise maximum restraint and resolve the issue through dialogue, and requested Nepalis in those countries to remain in touch with the respective Nepali embassies. 

On June 15, the Ministry issued a travel advisory with embassy contact details, asking Nepalis to exercise maximum caution for their safety. It issued a second travel advisory last Wednesday, requesting Nepalis not to travel to Israel or other countries in the Middle East.

The Ministry has already directed all Nepali missions in the Gulf to facilitate visa processing and coordinate safe passage for Nepalis wanting to travel to safe places or border countries when some air routes are currently closed.

So far, more than 600 people have registered their details through the Ministry's online portal for repatriation, and the data collection process is ongoing. 

This week, Dr Rana met with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass, requesting proper security arrangements for Nepalis in Israel. 

Similarly, the Nepali Embassy in Israel and the Nepali Embassy in Qatar, which oversees Iran, have been instructed to establish a close contact with the local officials, organisations and the Nepali community, and provide real-time updates to the Ministry. Currently, approximately 5,500 to 7,000 Nepalis reside in Israel, mainly in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. There are 18 Nepalis in Iran.