Five Nepalis released from Iranian jail, brought to Nepal

KATHMANDU: Five Nepali nationals, who had been imprisoned in Iran, have been released and repatriated to Nepal at the initiation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the ministry, the Nepalis were freed after an Iranian court issued their release order. They were brought back to Kathmandu on Thursday with the support of Nepal’s Honorary Consul in Tehran and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Issuing a press statement on Friday, the ministry expressed gratitude to the Government of India, the relevant authorities of the Iranian government, Nepal’s Honorary Consul in Tehran, and the IOM for their cooperation, initiative and goodwill in the repatriation process.

The overall security situation in the region has gradually stabilized following a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 23.

During the conflict period, the ministry had issued travel advisories and gathered information to safeguard the rights and safety of Nepali citizens living in both countries.

Earlier, nine Nepalis had safely returned home from Iran via India’s land route.