As the war between Israel and Iran intensifies and Nepalis, mostly in Israel, could get into trouble, the government has decided to rescue its citizens from the two countries.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on Friday between foreign and labour ministers and senior officials from ministries of foreign affairs, labour, home and tourism.

A meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to repatriate Nepalis from Israel and Iran and formed a four-member rapid response team, which will assess and monitor the situation and provide feedback to the higher political level to decide on an appropriate model of repatriation and other necessary logistical issues.

“As per the suggestions of the rapid response team, we will take an appropriate decision on rescue and repatriation,” Labour minister Sharat Singh Bhandari told the Post. The rapid response team comprises joint secretaries from the foreign, home, labour and tourism ministries.

“We are on track, ready, and if necessary, we will rescue our citizens,” said Bhandari.

In Iran, there are around 18 Nepali nationals, but a large number of Nepalis, around 5,500 to 7,000, are living and working in Israel.

“But very few Nepalis have expressed their intent to return. As of now, all Nepali nationals in Israel are safe and secure. The rapid response team will be on standby from today [Friday], it will assess the ground situation in coordination with Nepali missions abroad and provide appropriate suggestions to the government. Based on its recommendations, the government will undertake the rescue,” said Bhandari.

Amid escalating tensions, the Nepali Embassy in Israel began registering citizens for potential repatriation on Wednesday. As the conflict continues to escalate, more and more Nepalis have started contacting the embassy in Tel Aviv, requesting assistance to return home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a separate travel advisory to its citizens living and working in these countries.

As of Friday evening, only 646 Nepali nationals have registered their names on a webpage set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But just 25 people have expressed their interest in returning, according to the foreign ministry.

“We are trying to connect with Nepalis there, collect locations and other details, and understand their needs for further action,” said Lok Bahadur Chhetri, who heads the public diplomacy division at the foreign ministry.