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

Nepali migrant workers walk out of Tribhuvan International Airport following the closure of airspace by Middle Eastern nations due to heightened tension between Israel and Iran, 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 concerns 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 work 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	#13385520
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

Small Group of People Action Shot Nepali migrant workers Tribhuvan International Airport airspace closure Middle East tensions Israel-Iran conflict Kathmandu March 1 2026 Israeli attacks Iranian retaliation US-backed countries safety concerns Nepali nationals Gulf countries UAE Qatar Saudi Arabia Kuwait Bahrain Oman migrant workers foreign employment Nepali migration Nepali diaspora Nepali workforce Nepali in Israel caregiving agriculture migration agencies Government of Nepal Subaas Shrestha NurPhoto Middle East airspace Nepali in Middle East regional conflict Nepali economy.

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