As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging Nepali citizens currently in Iran to relocate immediately to safer areas. The ministry has also advised those planning to travel to Iran to postpone their trips.
In this context, Onlinekhabar spoke with Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Q: With tensions rising between Iran and the United States, the Government of Nepal has issued a travel advisory advising Nepalis to leave Iran. What is your assessment of the current situation there?
Rather than issuing the advisory based on any specific intelligence about conditions inside Iran, we did so primarily with the safety of our citizens in mind. This is a precautionary step. Regardless of what may or may not happen, it is the state’s responsibility to ensure the security of its nationals. The safety of Nepalis in Iran is our foremost concern.
Q: How many Nepali citizens are currently in Iran, and what is their condition?
According to the information we have, there are 10 Nepali citizens in Iran at present. All of them are safe so far and remain in contact with us. They are also in touch with one another.
Through the travel advisory, we have urged them to move to safer locations as much as possible. At the same time, we have cautioned them not to put themselves at risk by travelling unsafely.
Q: How have Nepalis in Iran responded to the government’s advisory?
They have told us that they are currently safe, following the government’s advisories and information, and are making their own arrangements accordingly.
Q: Are they in Iran legally or illegally, and where exactly are they located?
They are all residing in Iran legally and are based in Tehran. During previous conflicts, some Nepali nationals had been detained in prisons, but that is not the case now.
Q: For what purpose did they go to Iran? Are there women and children among them?
They are there for work. One of them is in Iran with family members, while the others are there individually.
Q: When you say they should move to safer locations, where does that mean, and who coordinates this?
Nepal’s Embassy in Qatar is also responsible for overseeing Iran. Given that, citizens are advised to move to locations that are nearby, accessible, and relatively safer. In terms of air or sea connectivity, Gulf countries are generally the closest and most practical options.
Q: You have also advised people not to travel to Iran. Were there individuals preparing to go there from Nepal?
We do not have clear information on that. Immigration laws and regulations have undergone some changes, and there is no advance notification system. Still, we had already informed the public several weeks ago that they should avoid travelling to Iran. At present, we do not have information about anyone preparing to go, but if anyone is planning such travel, we strongly advise postponing it.
