Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has requested Qatar’s assistance in securing the release of Bipin Joshi, who is believed to be in Hamas captivity.

Minister Lekhak sought Qatar’s facilitation on Joshi’s release during the Qatari Ambassador Misal bin Mohammed Al Ansari’s courtesy call on him on Thursday. In response, the ambassador informed that Qatar is making necessary efforts to secure Joshi's release.

Joshi was kidnapped during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

“Minister Lekhak emphasised the importance of ensuring 24-hour insurance coverage for Nepali workers in Qatar and stressed the need for relief and rescue measures for those who have been injured or have died while working in Qatar,” Minister Lekhak’s secretariat said.

The home minister also appealed for a general amnesty and leniency for Nepali citizens serving sentences in various Qatari prisons.

Minister Lekhak further underscored the importance of enhancing mutual cooperation between Nepal and Qatar in the days to come.