Nepal Ensures Safety of Citizens Amid Israel-Iran Conflict: Foreign Minister

Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, has assured that the government is giving top priority to the safety and security of Nepali citizens residing in conflict-affected regions of Israel and Iran.

Addressing Parliament during the Appropriation Bill discussions on Monday, Minister Deuba stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is closely monitoring the ongoing tensions and has taken proactive steps to safeguard Nepalis living in those areas.

“On June 15, the Ministry issued a travel advisory with detailed contact instructions, urging all Nepalis in Israel and Iran to exercise maximum caution,” said the minister.

Online Registration Portal and Safety Measures

Minister Deuba announced that on June 17, MoFA launched an online portal to collect data of Nepalis in the affected regions. As of now, 885 individuals have registered, and the number continues to grow.

Further, on June 18, the ministry instructed Nepali missions in Gulf countries to facilitate online visas and travel assistance for those seeking to move to safer locations or neighboring countries, given the current airspace closures.

The Jordanian government, on June 19, 2025, issued a diplomatic note expressing its readiness to assist foreign nationals entering through its borders from Israel.

Additionally, MoFA has coordinated with IOM and ILO to enhance support through diplomatic communication channels.

Rescue and Repatriation Efforts

Minister Deuba revealed that Nepal requested India’s assistance in rescuing 16 Nepalis stranded in Iran. Of them, 11 have begun the repatriation process with the help of the Indian Embassy in Tehran. The remaining five are in legal custody due to immigration issues, and efforts for their return are underway through the Nepali Embassy in Doha.

A rapid response coordination team has also been formed to expedite rescue and return of Nepalis from Israel and Iran, with collaboration from all relevant agencies.

Diplomatic Appeal for Bipin Joshi

The Foreign Minister confirmed ongoing high-level diplomatic engagement for the release of Bipin Joshi. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli had appealed directly to the President of Egypt, and Speaker Devraj Ghimire sent a formal letter to the President of the Arab Parliament.

Minister Deuba herself reached out via official correspondence to foreign ministers and state ministers of Qatar, UAE, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran. She also held direct talks during the Indian Ocean Conference in Oman with her counterparts from Qatar, UAE, and Iran.

Humanitarian Coordination and Border Issues

Minister Deuba reported that ongoing border issues are being addressed through high-level bilateral mechanisms. Coordination continues with all relevant stakeholders to manage challenges related to stranded or imprisoned Nepalis.

To date, 36 Nepalis have been rescued from Uttarakhand, India, in collaboration with the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi, Uttarakhand Police, and NGO Kin India. Investigations are ongoing and efforts continue to locate more victims.

Diaspora Engagement and Economic Diplomacy

Highlighting Nepal’s commitment to engaging the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) community, the Minister stressed on tapping their skills and investment for national development. She confirmed that arrangements have been made to repatriate the body of Ravi Mahto Suri, who died in a car accident in Croatia on May 31, with support from the Foreign Employment Board.

The Ministry is advancing economic diplomacy as a core pillar of foreign policy by promoting trade, foreign investment, tourism, and technology through its diplomatic missions. A separate Department of Economic Diplomacy has been formed to drive strategy-based actions globally.

Cultural Diplomacy and Institutional Strengthening

Minister Deuba emphasized on enhancing cultural and tourism diplomacy, expanding existing programs run by Nepal’s missions. She also highlighted the need to support Nepal’s graduation from LDC status through sustainable development coordination with development partners.

Appointments of ambassadors are being made as per the Ambassadorial Appointment Guidelines, 2075 (BS) and prevailing laws. Likewise, Labour Attachés are appointed through the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security.

The Minister acknowledged that some foreign policy results take time to materialize. Despite limited manpower and resources, the Ministry continues to deliver essential services such as passport issuance and consular services.

Following an organizational survey, the Ministry has increased its staffing and is now focused on institutional capacity building, including the launch of digital archiving and data management systems.

Budget and Revenue

While the Ministry’s total budget for the upcoming fiscal year has slightly increased, non-capital allocations have decreased compared to the current year. Dr. Deuba stressed on the efficient and prioritized utilization of the allocated budget.

So far this fiscal year, the Ministry and its agencies have collected NPR 8.10 billion in revenue and spent NPR 6.78 billion, with 50.9% of the capital budget already utilized.

National Security and Foreign Policy Commitment

Minister Deuba reaffirmed the Ministry’s vigilance regarding national security and foreign threats. She assured that Nepal’s land would not be used against any neighboring country, maintaining a policy of national consensus and diplomatic neutrality.