Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the government will ensure the rescue of Nepalis in West Asia who wish to return home because of the ongoing conflict.
Speaking at a press conference at the ministry on Wednesday, the ministry said that Nepali workers in West Asian countries would be rescued if they face any difficulties due to the conflict.
Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma said that Nepalis currently in those countries are not in immediate danger. However, he added that the government was on standby and ready to carry out rescue operations if the situation worsens. “If a situation arises requiring the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people at once, the government will arrange the necessary infrastructure accordingly,” Sharma said. “Compared to workers, those stranded in transit due to the conflict are facing greater problems.”
Sharma said accommodation and food arrangements have been arranged for those stuck in transit by the concerned Nepali missions and the respective airlines.
Similarly, Ramkaji Khadka, Chief of the Middle Asia, West Asia and Africa Division at the ministry, said that 15 Nepalis have been injured and one has died so far due to the Gulf conflict. “The body of the deceased has already been brought to Nepal and handed over to the family. Our mission has initiated the compensation process for the next of kin of the deceased.”
Khadka added that Nepali missions are working to establish contact with Nepalis affected by the conflict. “So far, 63,570 people have registered their details through the Department of Consular Service’s online system. Efforts are being made to contact them through our missions,” he added.
