Thaneswar stranded in UAE, seeks justice

KATHMANDU: Thaneswar Ghimire (Passport No. 10676684) from Panini Rural Municipality-8, Arghakhanchi, is currently under investigation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in connection with a criminal case.

According to the Nepali Embassy, local authorities in the UAE have imposed a travel ban on Ghimire in connection with the death of another Nepali citizen.

The embassy noted that due to the serious nature of the case, UAE authorities have clarified that the travel ban cannot be lifted until the investigation is completed and legal proceedings are concluded.

The embassy has made multiple formal requests—three times in the presence of a labor counselor, public relations officer, and Ghimire’s legal representative—to allow him to return to Nepal.

These requests involved meetings with the relevant police office and court.

However, the UAE Immigration Office rejected the requests, stating that the ban cannot be lifted until the ongoing criminal investigation is concluded.

During the general amnesty period from September to December 2024, the embassy also attempted to issue a travel document for Ghimire, but the process could not succeed due to the travel restrictions.

According to the embassy, Ghimire became involved in the case shortly after arriving in the UAE.

Because of the ban, he is unable to work or return to Nepal and is currently living in difficult circumstances with support from the Nepali community in the UAE.

Back in Nepal, his family, particularly his sister Laxmi Ghimire, insists that Thaneswar is innocent. “Our family has no father, and the main responsibility of the household rests on him. Now, stranded abroad, he cannot work or return home. This has caused both financial and mental strain on our family,” she said.

Laxmi Ghimire further urged the Nepalese government to take active measures, emphasizing that despite the embassy’s efforts, sufficient results have not been achieved. “We have appealed everywhere possible, but the side that should take decisive action has not done enough. The government must resolve this case through swift investigation and high-level diplomatic efforts,” she added.

The family has requested that the Nepalese government coordinate with the UAE to expedite the investigation and allow Ghimire to return home if proven innocent.

The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to providing consular support within the limits of local legal procedures, noting ongoing coordination through diplomatic and legal channels.

Currently, Thaneswar Ghimire is facing severe hardships in the UAE, including unemployment and poor health.

His family has again appealed to both the Nepalese and UAE governments to resolve the matter promptly on humanitarian and legal grounds.