Around 16,000 Nepali nationals in conflict-affected West Asia have updated their details in a new online rescue tracking system introduced by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The system aims to gather current information on Nepali citizens in the region amidst the ongoing US-Iran tensions that have impacted parts of West Asia. With over 1.7 million Nepali nationals residing in 12 countries in the area, ensuring their safety is a top priority.
The Nepali government confirmed the death of a Nepali youth, Diwas Shrestha, during a drone interception operation at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Concerns for the safety of Nepali migrant workers in the region prompted the government to establish the online registration system to streamline rescue and support efforts for those at risk. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to enhance the system’s accessibility for broader outreach.
Nepali diplomatic missions in the region have been instructed to enhance information dissemination in collaboration with Nepali associations, community groups, and the Non-Resident Nepali Association. An Emergency Response Team (ERT), led by the Foreign Secretary, will assess assistance needs based on the collected data. A 24-hour Emergency Control Room will be set up at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manage communications and grievances.
The ERT has directed Nepali diplomatic missions in West Asia to assist Nepali citizens stranded at airports due to airspace closures following the conflict. The government has also decided not to authenticate demand letters for Nepali migrant workers temporarily, aligning with the travel advisory and labor approval suspension. Remittances from Nepali workers abroad play a vital role in Nepal’s economy, supporting households and bolstering foreign exchange reserves for imports.
