Amid media reports that Nepalis are among the sixty foreign workers abducted by Islamic militants in northern Iraq, the government has started consultation with concerned stakeholders on ensuring the safety of thousands of Nepalis working in the war-ravaged country.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) today said there were no Nepalis among the abductees. It reviewed the state of security of Nepali workers in the wake of the deteriorating security situation there. Embassy of Nepal in Pakistan, which looks after Iraq affairs as well, also said no Nepali had been abducted by militants.

“I made contacts with Iraqi officials as well as Nepalis living in various parts of Iraq,” Ambassador to Pakistan Bharat Paudyal told THT. “I couldn’t confirm that Nepalis were among the reported abductees. All Nepalis are safe and unharmed so far.” Referring to a private Dogan news agency, Associated Press had reported from Ankara that 60 foreign construction workers, including Nepalis, Turks, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis were abducted from near the city of Kirkuk.

Senior officials of the ministries of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Labour, Civil Aviation, and Health and Population, today met at MoFA to develop a national plan to deal with the evolving situation and respond promptly in case of emergency. “We discussed how to prepare to respond quickly and effectively in case of emergency,” said Prakash Subedi, Head of the West Asia division at MoFA. “The government is sensitive to the situation,” added Subedi, who coordinated the meeting.

MoFA issued a travel advisory on Monday asking Nepali nationals not to visit the war-torn country until the security situation improves. Ambassador Poudyal also encouraged Nepali nationals currently living in Iraq to return home as quickly as possible if they feel insecure. 

MoFA has directed Nepali embassies in Gulf countries and in Pakistan to be alert and keep in touch with the Nepali community in Iraq so as to respond promptly when needed. Nepali missions have also been directed to make contacts with the missions of other south Asian countries in Iraq to know what information they have and how they are observing the situation.

An estimated 30,000 Nepalis are living in Iraq though officially the figures can’t be confirmed since all of them entered the country through informal channels after the government banned employment in Iraq.

Published on: 19 June 2014 | The Himalayan Times