940 Nepalis rescued from Afghanistan

KATHMANDU: OCT. 31 – The last batch of 32 Nepalis awaiting rescue after the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan arrived in Kathmandu yesterday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The number of rescued people has reached 940 along with 32 others who returned home.

A statement issued by the ministry said that only a few Nepalis were involved in the urgent work of the UN mission and office in Afghanistan and there was no security risk on them. Stating that the much-needed humanitarian and development work will continue, the UN body informed that arrangements will be made for the safe return of all Nepalis working in the UN if there is any security risk.

At the request of the Government of Nepal, IDG Company made arrangements for the rescued returnees to enter Afghanistan without permission for foreign employment, scattered in small groups in different parts of the capital Kabul, and to be housed in the same group with safe accommodation and food.

Since the beginning of the Taliban regime, the government has been monitoring the rescue efforts in Afghanistan, including the embassies of India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, the European Union, Japan, NATO military officials in Kabul, UN missions and offices, and other international organizations. And diplomatic efforts through employers and manpower supply companies, local offices and their headquarters.

The government is grateful to all the indigenous bodies, employers, allies and the United Nations for their support in the rescue mission in Afghanistan.