Apr 10, Kathmandu - The Emergency Response Team (ERT) under Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed reopening work permits in several West Asian countries where restrictions had previously been imposed. The recommendation was made during its fifth meeting, chaired by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

Earlier, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security had suspended work permits in 12 West Asian countries as of Falgun 17 (February 28), citing various concerns. The affected countries included Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel.

Subsequently, on Chaitra 3, work permits were reopened for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, and Turkey. However, restrictions remained in place for Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Lebanon.

With the situation in West Asia gradually stabilizing, the ERT has recommended the Ministry of Labour to lift restrictions in the remaining countries. According to Joint Secretary Ramji Khadka of the Foreign Ministry, the team’s assessment indicates a declining level of conflict, with some countries observing a ceasefire, allowing for a monitored reopening of work permits.

Following the ERT’s advice, the Labour Ministry has begun preparations to reopen work permits in Israel, Kuwait, and Bahrain, excluding Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. Spokesperson Pitamber Ghimire stated that the process for this decision is underway.

However, as the previous ministerial decisions had suspended these permits, reopening them will require a cabinet-level decision. The process faced a delay after Prime Minister Balen Shah recently dismissed Labour Minister Deepak Kumar Saha.

With Ramji Yadav already appointed as the new Labour Minister, authorities are now preparing for the cabinet to approve the reopening of work permits in the affected countries. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will conduct analysis and provide recommendations before finalizing the decision.