Kathmandu: The government of Nepal has started issuing labour permits again for migrant workers heading to parts of the Middle East, bringing relief to thousands who had been waiting for weeks after a sudden suspension.
The permits were halted in early March as tensions grew across West Asia, especially linked to the conflict involving Iran. Flight disruptions and safety concerns forced authorities to pause approvals, leaving many workers stranded despite already having job visas.
Officials have now allowed a partial restart of the process. Workers travelling to countries such as Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain and Lebanon are among those who can receive permits again. However, the reopening is gradual and does not yet apply to all destinations or categories of workers.
During the suspension, thousands of Nepali workers were unable to leave the country. Many faced financial pressure as they had already paid recruitment fees and were waiting to begin jobs abroad. Some were confined to temporary accommodation while hoping for clearance to travel.
The government appears to be taking a cautious approach. Priority is being given in some cases to workers returning to their previous jobs, while new applicants may still face delays. Authorities continue to monitor the security situation in the region before expanding approvals further.
Foreign employment remains a vital source of income for Nepal. Remittances from workers in the Middle East support millions of families and play a key role in the national economy. Any disruption to labour migration has immediate social and economic effects.
The decision to resume permits signals a careful balancing act between protecting workers and sustaining economic needs. While the latest move offers hope, uncertainty remains as the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve.