Two Nepali nationals, Sandeep KC from Baglung and Jayprakash Shah from Mahottari, were arrested by Ukraine’s border security guards for attempting to cross into Poland illegally.

The duo had fled to Ukraine with the help of Indian agents hoping to reach Poland via a route that passes through Moldova.

The Nepali Embassy in Germany, which also oversees consular affairs for Nepalis in Ukraine, confirmed the arrests. “They were apprehended about a week ago and are currently in custody for further investigation,” said Sagar Phuyal, deputy chief of mission at the embassy. “We are coordinating with the Ukrainian authorities to ensure their return to Nepal as soon as possible.”

Phuyal, however, noted that sending KC and Shah directly back to Nepal from Ukraine would be challenging. “We need to facilitate visa arrangements with Moldova for them to transit through that country,” he added.

Previously, two Nepalis, Sher Syangbo Sherpa and Phurba Sherpa, were detained in Ukraine under similar circumstances. They were eventually repatriated after a lengthy process that took 10 months.

They had entered Ukraine with the help of an Indian consultancy, paying a hefty sum of Rs700,000 to 800,000, and were later accused of espionage during investigations.

KC and Shah had entered Ukraine from Moldova by road, with plans to continue their journey through Ukraine to Poland. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine has complicated travel plans, and since February 2022, all international flights to Ukraine, except for military flights, have been suspended.

In January 2023, neighbouring countries along the Ukrainian border, including Moldova, stopped issuing visas to foreigners, including Nepalis, attempting to enter Ukraine.

As per the Nepali Embassy’s notice issued in February 2023, any Nepali entering Ukraine illegally would face difficulties, as the respective border authorities would not grant entry or transit visas.

“The situation is quite difficult,” said Phuyal. “The travel documents for KC and Shah are being processed, and we are working with the Ukrainian government to facilitate their return to Nepal as quickly as possible.”