It is difficult to determine at this time where and how the current tension centered on Iran will spread or subside. However, the Nepalese government should also be vigilant for the safety of Nepalis in countries where tensions could potentially spread.
As the US and Israel attack Iran, reports of casualties, displacement and separation have again emerged from other corners of the world. In retaliation, Iran has attacked US military bases in northern Israel and several Middle Eastern countries, further expanding the geographical area of damage.
Unpleasant incidents like war, attack, explosion, violence are not only a matter of concern for the countries concerned. Because distant countries and citizens are also affected and persecuted. At this time, Nepali society is experiencing similar possibilities. It has been confirmed that one Nepali citizen has died in the latest tension. Three people, including a Nepali, have died in the Iranian attack in the UAE. It has become imperative for Nepali citizens in the Gulf countries, which are the main labor destinations of Nepalis, and other countries where attacks are possible, to exercise more awareness and caution.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in an airstrike carried out by the US and Israel. After being attacked on Saturday itself, Iran has retaliated against US military bases in the Gulf in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Two drone attacks have been carried out on the Duqm port of Oman. It is not clear what Iran's further steps will be after the death of its supreme leader.
But the countries where he attacked the US military are the preferred labor destinations for Nepali citizens. There are 900,000 Nepalis in the UAE, 384,000 in Saudi Arabia, 360,000 in Qatar, 175,000 in Kuwait, and 30,000 in Bahrain. Similarly, there are 25,000 in Oman, 25,000 in Iraq, 5,000 in Israel, and 1,000 in Lebanon. Overall, there are 1.9 million Nepali workers in the Gulf. Therefore, their safety is our primary concern.
People everywhere should be most aware of their own safety. First, they should have access to official sources of information and follow them. The security protocols made by the respective countries should be followed to the letter. Rather than interpreting such protocols to suit themselves, they should act according to the interpretations made by government agencies.
Do not interpret the situation too much from your own perspective and neglect personal safety. Do not go on unnecessary trips. Nepalis go to the Gulf region mainly for labor. Therefore, workers should maintain a relationship with their employers. Since they are the closest guardians of the workers, they should follow their instructions and security management. In addition, they should also follow the information issued by the Nepali embassy in the concerned country. They should stay in touch with the embassy. If they encounter any difficulties or need assistance, they should inform them immediately. Support can also be sought from organizations of non-resident Nepalis in those countries.
It is difficult to determine where and how the current tension created with Iran as the center will spread or subside. However, the Nepalese government should also be aware of the safety of Nepalis in countries where tension is likely to spread. Because, the government is the highest body that should be held accountable in difficult situations. For that, work should be done from three aspects. First, diplomatic initiatives should be taken to prioritize the safety of Nepali citizens in the concerned country. It is customary for any country to take the issue of the safety of foreign citizens sensitively. However, we should keep expressing our interests and concerns. We should maintain dialogue and coordination with the concerned country. We should take diplomatic initiatives. If there are gaps in diplomatic mechanisms and dialogue, they should be filled.
Second, the government should be able to project the nature of the escalation of tensions. Especially since there may be situations where rescues may be needed, the necessary mechanisms should be in place. For that, a possible budget and a mobilizable team should be managed. There have been examples of Nepali citizens being rescued from China during the Corona pandemic, from Afghanistan after the Taliban took over, and from Israel after the Hamas attack. However, the government was criticized at the time for being late in their rescue. It is a worldwide practice to rescue its citizens when they are in trouble. If immediate rescues can be carried out, citizens can be protected and trust can be won. Therefore, the government should keep brainstorming its options.
Third, the concerns and initiatives that countries like India and Bangladesh have regarding the security of their citizens are also relevant to us. There are references to Nepali citizens being rescued through coordination with India in the past. Even now, if needed, assistance may be needed. Therefore, the initiatives being taken by those countries should be studied. Necessary coordination should be made.
Due to the tensions created in the Middle East, it is natural for fear to increase in that and the surrounding areas. Not only the citizens there, but also air travel around the world has been disrupted due to the disruption of flights. The cancellation of flights from Nepal to the Gulf region has increased the pressure of passengers at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu. In addition, confusion has increased. Since a Nepali has died, we need to be more sensitive. No one is prepared for a sudden complex situation. Therefore, the damage may increase. Additional complications may have to be faced. But no positive result will be achieved by panicking. A prudent decision should be taken with the help of the concerned country. We should objectively consider the country's resources and the Nepali mindset and strive for the highest positive result.
