Nepal Halts Work Permits to Middle East Destinations Amid Rising Conflict

The government has temporarily suspended issuing labour approvals for Nepalis aspiring for Middle East destinations.

In a letter dated March 1 and addressed to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), the government agency responsible for managing overseas labour permits, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security requested the temporary suspension of all individual and institutional labour permits for Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel until further notice.

The decision follows deepening conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Iran, in retaliation to the joint attack by the two countries, has fired missiles at various US military assets in the Middle East, raising concerns over the safety of Nepalis in those countries.

Thousands of individuals from South Asia work in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Around 2 million Nepali workers are estimated to work across various Middle East destinations.

Nearly 200,000 Nepalis received the permits for working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Kuwait alone in the first six months of the current fiscal year alone, government data shows.

Nepal on Saturday issued an advisory for its nationals in the region to remain vigilant and abide by safety protocols issued by local administrations. On Sunday, it urged parties in the conflict to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

Passengers at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu were actively looking for flight updates issued by airlines operating on Middle East routes on Sunday. More than a dozen flights to and from Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled on Saturday, February 28, as several countries closed their airspace amid escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

With no alternative accommodation arranged by airlines, several passengers have been compelled to return to hotels at their own expense. While some were awaiting rescheduled departures, others said they were exploring alternative routes amid continued uncertainty over flight operations.

Labour migration expert Rameshwar Nepal told New Business Age Saturday the unrest in the Middle East has created anxiety among Nepalis living and working there. He stressed that the government should immediately coordinate through its diplomatic missions to reassure citizens and ensure their safety.

“The state must prioritise the safety of its citizens,” he said, adding that Nepal should also prepare contingency plans for rescue operations if the situation deteriorates. He further noted that with unemployment already high at home and some workers having already purchased tickets for Gulf destinations, the government should also address the concerns of those whose travel plans have been affected.