Summary:
Context:

• The conflict between Israel and Iran is escalating, raising safety concerns for Nepali migrant workers in the Middle East.
• There are approximately 5,500 Nepali workers in Israel and at least a dozen in Iran.

Government Actions:

• The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security held an emergency meeting chaired by Labour Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar.
• Officials from multiple ministries (foreign affairs, home, tourism, law) and parliamentary committees assessed risks and outlined response strategies.

Key Measures:

1. Safety and Evacuation Plan:

• The government is ready to ensure safety and evacuate Nepali workers if needed.
• Diplomatic communications have been initiated with third countries like Egypt and border nations of Israel and Iran to facilitate transit and visa arrangements.
• Nepal will formally request India and China to include Nepali nationals in their evacuation efforts.

2. Travel Advisory:

• Non-essential travel to the Middle East is discouraged.
• Recruitment agencies are urged to hold off deploying new workers to high-risk areas.
• Airlines are requested to waive ticket rescheduling fees for affected workers.

3. Mental Health Support:

• The Foreign Employment Board and Social Security Fund will provide counseling services to affected workers.

4. Monitoring and Communication:

• Nepali embassies in Tel Aviv, Doha (which also covers Iran), and other diplomatic channels are actively monitoring the situation.
• The Foreign Minister is in constant contact with Nepali envoys.

Current Situation:

• No large-scale evacuation has been initiated yet.
• Most Nepali workers in Israel work in caregiving and agriculture, living in accommodations with or without bunkers.
• Many rely on public shelters when missile alerts occur.
• Nepali Ambassador in Israel confirmed that workers are following emergency protocols.

Nepal is prepared with a multi-agency approach to protect its citizens abroad and will act swiftly if the situation worsens.

Archive: https://archive.md/H1EzF