Himal Press 
Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba. Photo: RSS
KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, has said that the government is treating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and its potential implications, with utmost seriousness. She also said that the government has prioritized the safety of Nepalis residing in those regions.
Responding to questions raised by lawmakers during discussion on the Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives on Monday, Minister Rana said the ministry has issued a travel advisory with detailed contact information, urging Nepalis currently in Israel and Iran to exercise maximum caution from a security standpoint.
She added that Nepali ambassadors stationed in countries in the region have been instructed to coordinate efforts for the safety of Nepali citizens.
Minsiter Rana also added that 855 individuals have registered their details on an online portal launched on June 17 to collect information about Nepalis in the affected countries. “On June 18, with air routes closed, we instructed Nepali diplomatic missions in the Gulf to facilitate online visa arrangements and other support for Nepalis wishing to move to safer locations or border countries,” Rana said.
She further informed that the Jordanian government had issued a note on June 19 stating it would provide necessary assistance to foreign nationals arriving from Israel at its borders. “Our embassies have also corresponded with the ILO and IOM to coordinate further support,” she added.
Regarding Nepalis in Iran, Minister Rana said that the government has requested the Indian government’s help to rescue 16 Nepalis. “With the support of the Indian Embassy in Tehran, repatriation efforts for 11 individuals have begun,” she said. “The remaining five are being held due to immigration issues. The Nepali Embassy in Doha is working to complete the necessary paperwork for their return.”
She added that a Rapid Response Group has been formed to expedite rescue and repatriation efforts from Israel and Iran.
