Kathmandu, March 1
The government has suspended the issuance of labour approvals for workers travelling to Gulf countries. The decision was taken in view of the situation arising from the war involving Israel, the United States and Iran in the Middle East.
Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Singh Bhandari said the issuance of labour approvals to those countries has been halted, considering the escalating tensions. The Department of Foreign Employment has been providing labour approvals to workers seeking foreign employment.
Following missile strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States, Iran has reportedly launched attacks on US military camps located in various Middle Eastern countries.
Iran has begun targeting US military base camps in countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, raising concerns about the safety of Nepalis residing there.
Minister Bhandari stated that the issuance of all labour approvals for foreign employment has been suspended until further notice.
Individuals waiting at the airport to travel to the concerned countries have been requested to return home. Citing heightened security alert amid growing tensions, the government has urged Nepalis at the airport to go back home.
The minister also said that the call centre at the Ministry of Labour has been kept on 24-hour standby. The government has stated that it is prepared to carry out rescue operations for Nepalis if the situation escalates further.
“Depending on how the situation develops, if evacuation becomes necessary in the coming days, we are making plans accordingly,” Minister Bhandari said.
