At least seven Nepali nationals have been detained in Gulf countries for sharing unverified and misleading content related to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, raising fresh concerns over the safety of migrant workers in the region.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, three Nepalis each were detained in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, while one was arrested in Kuwait. Authorities in these countries have strict laws governing online content, and violations can lead to imprisonment and heavy fines.
Despite repeated warnings from Nepali embassies, officials say some migrant workers continue to post sensitive material on social media, often underestimating the legal risks. Embassies have again urged the Nepali community to avoid sharing any conflict-related content that could be seen as misleading or harmful.
The situation comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, where ongoing attacks and counterattacks have already affected Nepali nationals. One Nepali has died, and around 20 others have been injured in recent weeks, though most have returned to work after treatment.
The government has formed an Emergency Response Team to monitor developments and prepare for possible evacuation if conditions worsen. However, officials say a large-scale evacuation would be extremely difficult due to the sheer number of Nepalis in the region, estimated at over two million.
Evacuation by air or sea remains an option, but logistical and financial challenges are significant. Transporting even a small number of people could cost billions of rupees, and global demand could sharply increase travel costs during a crisis.
Meanwhile, authorities have allowed some Nepalis to return to Gulf countries for work, citing the risk of job losses if travel is restricted.
Officials say the government is continuing to assess the situation while prioritising the safety of its citizens abroad.