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The government has initiated a study to reduce the multifaceted impacts of the ongoing war in West Asia on Nepal. Due to the evolving war situation in the region, disruptions in global and regional supply chains have begun to affect everyday life in Nepal, including household kitchens.

To balance the daily rise in fuel prices and declining supply, the government has started exploring alternative measures. As part of this, the evacuation of Nepali citizens has already been implemented since Friday. Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier, will bring back those wishing to return home from Dubai and Saudi Arabia through four flights.

Under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, short-term studies will be completed within seven days, while medium- and long-term studies will be completed within 30 days. It is expected that the report will help in timely assessment and management of the multidimensional impacts on Nepal’s economy, foreign employment, supply chains, energy, and social sectors due to the situation in the Middle East.

The task force is coordinated by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and includes representatives from the ministries of labor, finance, industry, supply, and energy.

At a regular press conference on Friday, Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Kshetri informed that work has begun by expanding 10 points focused on good governance. Additional points have also been determined by the task force formed to facilitate the current supply chain. He stated that the ministry is working seriously to implement the good governance agenda approved in the first Cabinet meeting after the formation of the government.

According to him, the 10 points include preparing an amendment bill to the Passport Act 2070, introducing a new passport distribution system including home delivery, expanding consular services, and using artificial intelligence (AI) support systems to make services more effective and citizen-friendly. A study will also be conducted to improve the system where Nepali citizens pay for their own evacuation travel from West Asia.

Similarly, strategies will be developed to create mobile apps to assist consular services, enable online revenue payment for passport services, and establish a rescue assistance fund to manage evacuation, visa issues, and the handling of deceased citizens abroad.

Additionally, plans include improving the online application system to help locate undocumented citizens abroad, facilitate compensation for stranded individuals, and establish a front help desk at the Department of Foreign Employment.

According to Ramkaji Khadka, member secretary of the task force and chief of the West Asia, Central Asia, and Africa division, a detailed report will be prepared analyzing the international and regional supply crises affecting Nepal due to tensions in West Asia. The study is being conducted under seven different thematic areas.

These include studying crisis management policies adopted by other countries to determine suitable diplomatic and policy strategies for Nepal, assessing the overall situation in West Asia, and evaluating its impact on Nepal’s social and economic sectors. It will also assess the safety and employment status of around 1.8 million Nepalis legally working in West Asia.

11 Nepalis in Custody, 38 Bodies Still Await Repatriation

Since the start of the war in West Asia, 11 Nepali citizens have been arrested across different countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, three are in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia, one in Qatar, two in Oman, and one in Iran.

According to spokesperson Kshetri, Amrit Jha was arrested before the war began and his case is under court consideration. He has been able to meet a lawyer and access legal assistance. The remaining 10 individuals were arrested on cybercrime charges. Nepali embassies in those countries are facilitating their cases.

The ministry also clarified that the bodies of 38 Nepali citizens who died due to various causes have yet to be brought back. These include one in Oman, four in Abu Dhabi, 15 in Dubai, 17 in Riyadh, two in Tel Aviv (Israel), one in Bahrain, and four in Qatar.

The spokesperson stated that Nepal Airlines has been requested to help repatriate bodies and provide subsidized tickets to financially vulnerable citizens in countries where flights are being sent on Friday.

Authorities have also repeatedly urged citizens not to create and post photos, videos, or content from war-affected countries on social media, as doing so could lead to arrest and legal trouble.

It has been reported that no Nepali citizens are currently stranded at airports. So far, 86,420 individuals have registered online to report their status., law, and procedures.”

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