Government Forms Emergency Response Team Amid Middle East Tensions

In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the government has formed an 'Emergency Response Team' led by the Foreign Secretary to continuously monitor developments, coordinate necessary actions, and manage rescue efforts of Nepali citizens caught in the war between US and Iran.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Joint Secretary Ramkaji Khadka informed that the Emergency Response Team has been formed for the continuous monitoring of the situation, along with necessary coordination and rescue operations. According to him, the security situation of Nepali citizens residing in various countries is currently normal.

Stating that the Middle East (Gulf region) is diplomatically very important for Nepal, Khadka mentioned during a press conference at the ministry on Monday that Nepal maintains cordial and close relations with those countries. He added that embassies have reported that the governments of the concerned countries have given high priority to the safety of foreign nationals, including Nepalis.

According to Khadka, the ministry has directed all 10 Nepali missions in West Asia—the embassies in Tel Aviv, Doha, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Manama, Kuwait, Muscat, and Cairo, as well as the Consulates General in Jeddah and Dubai—to submit regular situation analysis reports.

He also informed that the Department of Consular Services has launched an online registration form to collect data from all missions to facilitate rescue assistance for citizens. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no attack incidents have been reported in Israel so far. Nepalis in Doha, Qatar, are also safe, and the embassy there has issued an advisory urging Nepalis to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that a drone attack occurred on the 'Ras Tanura' refinery in eastern Saudi Arabia. The UAE conducted a virtual diplomatic briefing. The embassy has informed the ministry that attacks are ongoing continuously and have also targeted residential areas beyond military installations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that three individuals—a Nepali, a Pakistani, and a Bangladeshi—were killed, and 58 others were injured in the attacks in the UAE. Joint Secretary Khadka informed that the embassy is facilitating the process to repatriate the body of Divas Shrestha from Gorkha, who lost his life in the incident.

Regarding Nepalis in transit, Khadka mentioned that all are being accommodated in hotels by the respective local governments. While there is a priority to repatriate them immediately, flight availability will determine the timeline.

According to him, missions have reported to the ministry that attacks are ongoing in Bahrain. Officials from the ministry have claimed that Nepalis in other countries are also safe.

The emergency response team includes representatives from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Finance, Law, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Education, and Labour. It also comprises officials from the Department of Foreign Employment, the Department of Immigration, the Department of Consular Services, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and the chief of the Middle East, West Asia, and Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.