Kathmandu, June 20: Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana Deuba has said the government will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and rescue of Nepali citizens stranded in Israel and Iran and prepare for their possible return to Nepal.

Speaking at a joint meeting of the Ministries of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Home Ministry on Monday, Dr. Rana said the preparations in response to the ongoing war between Israel and Iran are unprecedented.

Dr. Rana confirmed that the Nepali Embassy in Israel is actively working in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and that the Israeli government has been requested to facilitate the safe return of Nepalis who arrived under the G2G (government-to-government) process.

“The Government of Nepal is ready to rescue Nepalis who wish to return home,” she said.

Labour Minister Sharad Singh Bhandari added that the ministry is in constant contact with Nepali workers abroad and confirmed that the processing of new labor permits for Israel has been temporarily halted.

Since the war broke out on June 13, the Foreign Ministry has repeatedly urged both sides to show restraint and resolve the conflict through dialogue. Travel advisories have been issued, urging Nepalis to exercise maximum caution and avoid traveling to Israel and other Middle Eastern countries at this time.

The ministry has also:

• Launched an online portal to collect data on Nepalis in affected areas. Over 600 people have registered so far.
• Instructed all Nepali embassies in the Gulf region to assist Nepalis seeking to travel to safer countries via land borders, as many air routes remain closed.

Dr. Rana also met with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Smulik Ari Bas, this week to request proper security arrangements for Nepali citizens.

Currently, there are an estimated 5,500 to 7,000 Nepalis in Israel, mainly in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, and 18 Nepalis in Iran. The Nepali embassies in Israel and Qatar have been directed to stay in close contact with the local authorities and the Nepali community to monitor the situation.