Nepal ready to evacuate willing citizens from Israel-Iran War: FM Rana

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has assured that the Government of Nepal is fully prepared to repatriate any Nepali citizen currently in conflict-hit Israel or Iran who wishes to return home.

Speaking after a high-level inter-ministerial meeting at Singha Durbar, which included ministers and officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Labour, Employment and Social Security; Home Affairs; and Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Rana emphasized that Nepal has been closely monitoring the situation since the very start of the Israel–Iran conflict.

“The government will bring back every Nepali who wishes to return. We have the capacity to carry out rescue operations as needed,” she said.

To facilitate rescue efforts, the government has launched an online portal to collect data on Nepalis in Israel and Iran.

So far, 603 individuals have registered, with only 20 expressing a desire to return.

The government is set to launch a mobile application this Sunday, enabling Nepalis working abroad—including undocumented migrants—to register their details more easily.

Dr. Rana said discussions are ongoing with the Israeli embassy, the Nepali embassy in Qatar (which oversees Israel affairs), and even the consular department of Jordan, which recently indicated that some exit routes may be possible despite airport closures. Charter flight options are also under consideration.

The government has also written to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, requesting help to include Nepalis during the repatriation of Indian citizens if possible.

“There are over 2,000 Nepalis in Israel, including those who entered illegally. We urge all Nepalis, especially undocumented workers, to register once the app is live. Every citizen matters. We are building a dedicated working team for this mission,” said Dr. Rana.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment: “We are ready to take all necessary diplomatic and logistical steps to ensure the safety and rescue of Nepali nationals. No one will be left behind.”

Key Highlights:

• 603 Nepalis have registered through the government portal; 20 have requested repatriation.

• A new app for global Nepali laborers will launch Sunday to improve data collection.

• Nepal is coordinating with Israeli and Qatari embassies, and the Jordanian consular office.

• Charter flights are under discussion for emergency evacuation.

• India has been formally asked to help repatriate Nepalis during its own rescue efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges all Nepalis in Israel, Iran, or nearby affected regions to stay connected, remain safe, and register their details for timely assistance.