Over 51,000 Nepalis in West Asia register in DoCS portal

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 9: About 51,405 Nepali nationals residing in West Asia have registered their details in the online registration system launched by the Department of Consular Services (DoCS) by Saturday evening. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that the registered details will be reviewed on a priority basis, and necessary procedures will be initiated for appropriate action as required.

Following the beginning of the war between Israel-USA and Iran, the entire region in West Asia has been affected as the latter targeted the US bases in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and several others. These are the countries where a large number of Nepalis are working. 

About 1.72 million Nepali nationals have reached the 13 countries in the region including Cyprus and Egypt in Europe and Africa through the formal channel and by obtaining work permit from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). It is also estimated that a significant number of Nepalis have reached those countries and are working illegally.  

However, a small number of Nepali citizens working in West Asia have expressed their desire to return home. 

Meanwhile, 50 transit passengers who were denied food and accommodation by Kuwait Air have been provided with meals and lodging by the Embassy of Nepal in Kuwait City in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and the Nepali community. 

“While the airspace over Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq had been closed for flights, it has been reported that Doha International Airport has partially reopened from Saturday to manage passengers in transit,” read a statement from the MoFA. Likewise, Dubai International Airport, which had remained open until Friday, has been closed until further notice. 

As some airspace has reopened, interested passengers may travel through other airports in the United Arab Emirates, as well as through Saudi Arabia and Oman.

The mortal remains of Nepali citizen Diwas Shrestha, who was killed after being hit by a shrapnel in Abu Dhabi on March 1, arrived in Nepal on Saturday. The body is handed over to the father and family members of the deceased. 

President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid tribute to late Shrestha and expressed deep condolences to his relatives. 

He praised the honesty, diligence and commitment of Nepali citizens, and expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would grow even stronger in the coming days.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a telephone conversation with President Al Nahyan on Saturday and expressed gratitude for prioritising the safety of all citizens, including Nepali nationals. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a special appeal to all Nepali citizens to remain calm, vigilant and cautious during this difficult period, and to refrain from recording or sharing photographs, videos or audio materials that may violate the law. 

In case of any difficulties, Nepalis in West Asia can immediately inform the MoFA through the telephone numbers or email of the Emergency Action Room, or contact the Nepali diplomatic missions in the respective countries using the contact numbers or email addresses they have provided.