Iraq is willing to take skilled workers from Nepal

Nepali citizens are banned from working or visiting Iraq. Nepal has banned its citizens from visiting Iraq or working there since 2006 citing security reasons. The decision was taken by the Nepal government after 12 Nepalis were killed by an Iraqi rebel group on August 16, 2016. Iraqis are repeatedly trying to lift the ban through various means. Nepal has not agreed to send Nepalis to Iraq due to security reasons.

Najam Mirzan, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iraq in New Delhi, has asked Surendra Thapa, Acting Ambassador in New Delhi, to take skilled workers from Nepal. The Embassy of Iraq in Delhi also serves Nepal. According to the Nepali Embassy, ​​during the meeting held in Delhi last Tuesday, there was a discussion between them about taking skilled workers from Nepal to Iraq. "We are now embarking on infrastructure development. For that, many workers are needed," said Mirzan, "We have heard everywhere about the good work of Nepalis. Therefore, we want to bring skilled workers who can work on infrastructure development from Iraq and Nepal.'

Acting Ambassador Thapa said that he understood the necessary issues and informed about the necessary procedures related to sending labor to Iraq. Thapa has sent Iraq's request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Now it is said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will cooperate with the Ministry of Labor to respond to Iraq. Foreign sources say that the Nepali side will take any decision only after studying and reviewing the current security of Iraq and possible future threats.