KATHMANDU:- The Non-Resident Nepali Association has drawn the attention of the government for the security and emergency coordination of Nepali citizens in the Middle East. A delegation led by the association’s president, Dr. Badri KC, met with Amrit Bahadur Rai, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and drew the attention.

During the meeting, Chairman KC said that the recent developments in the Middle East region have created a situation of fear and uncertainty in the major labor destination countries there. He also informed that the Non-Resident Nepali Association, International Coordination Council is seriously monitoring the recent developments in the Middle East region and is aware of the situation of Nepalis there.

Recalling that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the association had played an effective role in the successful rescue, repatriation and rehabilitation of Nepalis in trouble in various countries, including the Middle East, through the Relief, Repatriation and Rehabilitation (RRR) program, he stated that the association is fully prepared to provide necessary assistance in the current situation by activating the same experience, network and structure.

Similarly, Dr. KC urged that an emergency mechanism be established as soon as possible by establishing high-level coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security, Department of Foreign Employment, Foreign Employment Board, Foreign Employment Welfare Fund, Social Security Fund, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Non-Resident Nepali Association.

Secretary Rai informed that the Government of Nepal has formed a ‘Rapid Action Team’ and started work for the safety and possible rescue of millions of Nepali citizens in the West Asia region following the recent situation.

He said that the team formed under the coordination of the Foreign Secretary as per the Foreign Ministerial decision will also include the Non-Resident Nepali Association and move forward. The team will take necessary steps in coordination with the concerned bodies and international organizations. He also informed that arrangements have been made to provide regular information and necessary assistance to the Nepali citizens there.

Similarly, noting that the government has started a system to inform people about their problems and queries through an online portal, he said, “We are always ready for cooperation.”

On the occasion, Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, Labor Immigration and Non-Resident Nepali Coordination Division Chief Pushpa Raj Bhattarai, West Asia Region Division Chief Ram Kaji Khadka, Deputy Secretary (Law) Raja Ram Dahal were present. ICC Secretary Parasmani Pokharel, ICC member Bhabindra Basnet, Association Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Kumar Raut, and Senior Communications and Foreign Employment Officer Indra Laxmi Ghimire were also present on behalf of the association.