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Nepali Migrant Workers Left Stranded As Middle East Nations Halt Flight Following US-Israel Attack On Iran

A general view of the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 1, 2026. As soon as Israel launches a series of attacks on Iran and Iran takes retaliatory measures on February 28, 2026, followed by attacks on other US-backed countries in the Middle East, it prompts the closure of airspace. This raises worries for the safety and security of over 1.7 million Nepali nationals living and working across the region. Those who come to Kathmandu to fly there are now at a crossroads of confusion. According to the latest data from the Government of Nepal and various migration agencies, among the six major Gulf countries, the UAE hosts the largest number of Nepali, more than 600,000. Qatar is estimated to have around 500,000 Nepali workers. Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 450,000, Kuwait around 120,000, and Bahrain and Oman more than 50,000 each. In addition, about 5,000 Nepali are working in Israel, mainly in caregiving and agriculture. The Gulf countries are key destinations for foreign employment for Nepali workers. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#13385518
Date Taken	1 March 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

No People Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu March 1 2026 Israel Iran attacks retaliatory measures Middle-east air space closure safety security Nepali nationals migration UAE Qatar Saudi Arabia Kuwait Bahrain Oman foreign employment Gulf countries Nepali workers caregiving agriculture Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto confusion cross-road Government of Nepal migration agencies data Nepali population 1.7 million 600 000 500 450 120 50 5

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