The government is continuously monitoring official statements issued by host countries and closely assessing the evolving security situation in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.

At a press conference organised at Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, on Sunday, the ministry stated that the protection of Nepalis abroad remains its top priority.

Ramkaji Khadka, joint secretary at the ministry’s Central Asia, West Asia and Africa Division, said that, along with alerts and information notices issued by Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions in the concerned countries, a travel advisory has been issued for affected areas.

According to the ministry, around 1,729,288 Nepali nationals are currently living and working across the Middle East.

Khadka noted that the ministry has formed a WhatsApp communication group comprising Nepali ambassadors and heads of missions across Middle Eastern countries to strengthen crisis coordination.

“The platform is being used to exchange real-time updates on security conditions, government decisions, potential risks and problems faced by Nepali nationals,” he said at the press conference.

In preparation for possible evacuation or emergency assistance, the ministry has directed the Department of Consular Services to develop an online registration platform through which Nepalis in the region can submit their personal details.

Khadka said that a dedicated mobile application is also under development and will soon be made available through the ministry’s and embassies’ official websites.

The ministry is also preparing to launch a 24-hour consular response hotline to improve access to emergency assistance.

Khadka informed that initiatives are underway to form a multi-stakeholder emergency rescue team under the coordination of Foreign Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai. The team will include representatives from relevant ministries, security agencies and other concerned institutions.

The ministry also identified four categories of Nepalis currently facing difficulties abroad: travellers unable to fly despite having visas and tickets; passengers facing problems exiting airports upon arrival; individuals stranded in transit—particularly while travelling to Europe and the United States; and migrant workers unable to reach their employers after arriving in destination countries.

Khadka added that internal discussions are underway regarding the temporary suspension of new labour permits, possible flight restrictions and the issuance of no-objection certificates for students, in line with the recently issued travel advisory. He indicated that new departures could be halted temporarily if the situation worsens.

The government is also preparing to coordinate with international organisations, particularly the International Labour Organisation, for rescue and management efforts if required.

The ministry stated that there are no confirmed reports of Nepali casualties so far; however, it stressed the need for continued vigilance.