Rising Middle East tensions have raised alarm over Nepali migrant safety, with a lawmaker urging the government to urgently evacuate thousands of citizens working in Gulf countries.
Speaking during Sunday’s National Assembly session, member Uday Bahadur Bohara warned that escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has significantly increased risks for Nepali workers across the Gulf region. He said an estimated 80,000 to 85,000 Nepalis currently employed there could face serious danger if the situation worsens.
Bohara noted that recent violent incidents have already resulted in casualties among Nepali nationals, with some confirmed dead and others injured. He stressed that ensuring the safety of citizens abroad remains a primary responsibility of the state, especially during periods of international conflict. According to him, many Nepalis in affected and nearby countries are seeking to return home but lack safe and organized means to do so.
Highlighting growing anxiety among migrant communities, he called on the government to act without delay. The lawmaker emphasized the need for a coordinated evacuation plan, including diplomatic engagement with host nations and the mobilization of necessary resources. He also warned that without timely intervention, many workers could become stranded in unstable conditions.
The call comes as Middle East tensions continue to disrupt normal life and raise fears of wider regional instability. For Nepal, which relies heavily on remittances from Gulf-based workers, the situation also carries economic implications alongside humanitarian concerns.
The government is now under pressure to respond swiftly, with expectations of concrete measures to protect and repatriate Nepali citizens before conditions deteriorate further.
