Consideration of options for safe return of Nepali citizens stranded in Gulf countries

Kathmandu. The Nepal government is continuously considering various options for the safe return of Nepalese citizens stranded in Gulf countries. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry is considering the option of even diplomatic initiative.

Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai said that the meeting of the emergency response team formed under his coordination is continuing even today. He said that a plan is being prepared for the safe return of fifty thousand Nepali citizens waiting to return from the Gulf countries.

In the meeting held today, it was decided to give continuity to the return of Nepali citizens stuck in transit at the airports of Gulf countries by giving priority to it. The first batch of Nepali citizens stranded in transit at Dubai International Airport reached Kathmandu this morning by sending a special flight of Nepal Airlines on Wednesday night itself.

Foreign Secretary Rai said that now it has been decided to send special planes regularly to bring Nepali citizens safely from there. Nepal Airlines aircraft will be used for this. Besides, the Nepal government has also decided to hire planes from Fly Dubai and Emirates Air for the safe return of Nepali citizens.

According to the information given by the Ministry of External Affairs, about 50 thousand Nepalese citizens living in Gulf countries have applied online for return to Nepal. The government has prioritized their safety and is working on all possibilities for their return.

According to Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, the meeting decided to continue necessary coordination and initiatives to ensure the safety of Nepali citizens, study the possibility of flight operations if needed and provide assistance to those contacting Nepal’s diplomatic missions through the emergency control room.