As the Israel-Iran war entered its seventh day, lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties have urged the government to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of Nepalis living and working in the two countries.

Amid escalating tensions, the Nepali Embassy in Israel began registering citizens for potential repatriation on Wednesday. As the conflict continues to deteriorate, more and more Nepalis have started contacting the embassy in Tel Aviv, requesting assistance to return home. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a separate travel advisory to its citizens living and working in these countries.

Over 5,500 Nepali nationals are currently living and working in Israel while less than 20 are in Iran, including some in jail.

Speaking at the National Assembly, CPN-UML parliamentary party leader Bhagawati Neupane said the government has shown concern and taken initiative to protect Nepali citizens caught in the conflict.

“There are around 7,000 Nepalis in Israel and about a dozen in Iran, according to published data,” she said.

“A meeting has been held under the coordination of the Ministry of Labor with representatives from various ministries concerned. The Nepali embassy in Tel Aviv is collecting information about our citizens. I want to strongly emphasise that the government of Nepal should focus on the safety of Nepalis. Arrangements should be made to repatriate those who wish to return, and ensure security for those who remain. I want to stress this point.”

Likewise, speaking in the House of Representatives, Maoist Centre lawmaker Janardan Sharma also expressed concerns over the situation of Nepalis stuck in Israel and Iran. He urged the government to inform Parliament about the preparations for the safety and rescue of Nepalis.

Millions of Nepalis are working in the Middle East, he said, adding, “The government must pay attention to their security, employment, and other serious concerns.”

In the National Assembly, CPN (Unified Socialist) lawmaker Jayanti Devi Rai demanded that the government brief Parliament on the situation of Nepalis in Israel and Iran.

She said that due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the families of Nepalis back home in Nepal are in a state of distress. She mentioned returning to Nepal immediately is not possible for many of them and called on the government to ensure their safety.

Rai further remarked that the increasing conflicts between countries in recent times are pushing the world toward a third world war, which would be catastrophic for all involved.

Lawmaker Prakash Jwala of the CPN (Unified Socialist) also asked the government for the immediate rescue of Nepalis in Israel and Iran. Speaking at Thursday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Jwala emphasised that as the war between Israel and Iran intensifies, the government should act swiftly to rescue Nepalis before any harm occurs.

He said, “The conflict between Israel and Iran is escalating. There are around five to seven thousand Nepalis in Israel working as caregivers, agricultural workers, and students. And about a dozen Nepalis are in Iran. The government should immediately take diplomatic and other necessary steps to ensure their safety.”

Stressing that there is no point in taking action after damage has been done, he recalled the October 7, 2023 incident in which Nepalis were killed in Hamas attack in Israel. “There is no point in reacting after the damage is done. The wounds from the deaths of Nepali students in Israel are still fresh. The government should step up efforts to rescue Bipin Joshi, who is still missing. No other Nepali should have to suffer the same fate as Bipin.”