Kathmandu, March 11 Nepal is actively involved in carrying out rescue operations for more than 5,000 of its citizens working in various Gulf countries amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.
Furthermore, Minister for Foreign Affairs Balananda Sharma said the government is committed to the safety of around 3 million Nepalese, who are believed to be residing in various countries in the Gulf region.
More than 5,000 Nepalese working in various countries of West Asia have registered their names in the online application form maintained by the ministry's consular section, indicating their desire to return home, according to Lok Bahadur Chhetri, spokesperson at the Foreign Ministry.
The government is actively involved in ensuring their safety and carrying out rescue operations for them, the spokesperson said during a press conference at the ministry's office.
The ministry also said that 15 Nepali nationals were injured in the missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran. Six were reportedly injured in Israel.
Fourteen of those injured have already returned to work after receiving treatment, while one person is still undergoing treatment and is in stable condition, according to The Kathmandu Post newspaper, quoting Ramkaji Khadka, joint secretary at the ministry.
The government formed an Emergency Response Team led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai last week to present recommendations after studying the emerging situation in the Gulf region following the escalation of tension in the wake of joint attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran.
The government has already started preparatory work regarding the repatriation of Nepalese residing in the affected zone, Minister Sharma told a press conference.
The US and Israel have launched a massive joint attack on Iran since February 28. The 12th day of the conflict, which has extended to almost the entire Gulf region with Iran's retaliation.