Nepal's Labour Approvals Partially Resume Amid Iran Crisis
Synopsis
Amid ongoing tensions from the US-Iran conflict, the Nepali government has decided to partially lift the suspension on labour approvals for migrant workers heading to select Gulf countries, ensuring the safety of its nationals while balancing economic opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Nepal resumes labour approvals for select Gulf countries.
Initial suspension was due to safety concerns amid US-Iran tensions .
Over 1.7 million Nepalis work in the Gulf region.
Returnees from leave can apply for new labour approvals.
Ongoing suspension for Iran, Israel, and other nations due to security issues.
Kathmandu, March 17 (NationPress) The government of Nepal has announced a partial resumption of labour approvals that were previously put on hold for sending migrant workers to various Gulf countries, despite the ongoing tensions related to the US-Iran conflict.
On February 28, following coordinated attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, which led to retaliatory actions from Iran targeting US and Israeli interests, the Nepali authorities halted the issuance of labour approvals for countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkiye, and Israel, citing the safety of Nepali workers as a primary concern.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security of Nepal confirmed that it will begin to issue labour approvals for Nepali workers currently in employment in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, and Turkiye, while still excluding Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Lebanon.
“Moreover, those workers who have returned to Nepal on leave and wish to return for work in these countries will also qualify for labour approvals,” the ministry explained.
This decision to resume labour approvals for specific Gulf nations came after receiving requests from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Nepali embassies in the respective countries, and workers facing difficulties in renewing their labour permits. The move was made based on recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a letter from the Department of Foreign Employment.
The ministry noted that the suspension of labour approvals for the remaining six countries will remain in effect, as the security situation in those areas has not yet sufficiently improved.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 1.7 million Nepali nationals are employed across a dozen countries in the region. Recently, the ministry disclosed that one Nepali national has died and 15 others sustained injuries due to Iranian attacks in West Asia. The deceased, Diwas Shrestha, hails from the western district of Gorkha and was killed during a drone interception operation at Zayed International Airport in the UAE.
Point of View
The decision to partially resume labour approvals reflects a careful balance between ensuring the safety of Nepali workers abroad and addressing economic needs. The government's actions are guided by both international relations and the welfare of its citizens, showcasing a nation-first approach.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries are included in the resumed labour approvals?
The resumed labour approvals apply to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, and Turkiye.
Why were the labour approvals suspended initially?
Labour approvals were suspended due to safety concerns arising from the US-Iran conflict and retaliatory actions targeting US and Israeli interests.
Are workers returning from leave eligible for new approvals?
Yes, workers who have returned to Nepal on leave and wish to return for work in the approved countries can obtain new labour approvals.
How many Nepali nationals are working in the Gulf region?
Approximately 1.7 million Nepali nationals are employed across various countries in the Gulf region.
What is the security situation in the suspended countries?
The security situations in Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Lebanon have not sufficiently improved, leading to the continuation of the suspension.
