At least 22 Nepali migrant workers’ bodies remain stranded in Gulf countries as ongoing conflict in West Asia continues to disrupt international flights, leaving grieving families in Nepal in prolonged uncertainty.
Authorities say seven bodies are stuck in Kuwait, seven in Saudi Arabia and eight in the United Arab Emirates. All necessary paperwork, including clearance from Nepali embassies, has already been completed, but the suspension and delay of flights have made repatriation difficult.
The crisis follows escalating attacks and counterattacks in the region, which have affected airport operations and reduced the number of available flights. In several cases, airports have faced repeated disruptions, forcing airlines to cancel or delay services.
Officials note that even under normal circumstances, sending a body back home can take weeks. The current situation has extended waiting times further, with limited cargo space and rising transportation costs adding to the challenge. Employers are responsible for arranging the return of remains, but logistical hurdles have slowed the process.
In Saudi Arabia, transportation costs for repatriating a body have surged significantly, while passenger ticket prices have also increased. In the UAE, limited flights and high passenger demand have reduced priority for cargo, further delaying shipments.
Some countries, like Qatar, have managed to send a small number of bodies recently, but overall progress remains slow.
For families back home, the delay has deepened grief. Many have been waiting for weeks, unable to perform final rites. In several cases, the deceased were primary earners, adding financial stress to emotional loss.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to coordinate with airlines and employers, but until flight operations stabilise, many families will continue to wait for closure.