Distant War, Direct Impact

The widening war in the Middle East has created deep anxiety for Nepal. The exchange of attacks between Iran and US-Israeli forces has raised fears of a broader and longer regional conflict. For Nepal, the concern runs along two lines. The first is the safety of millions of Nepalis working in the Gulf. The second is the economic shock that may follow from rising oil prices and disrupted trade routes. Around 1.9 million Nepalis live and work across the Gulf, Israel and nearby regions. Most of them are migrant workers employed in construction, trucking, hotels and restaurants, security services and domestic work. Their labour sustains families at home and contributes significantly to the country's economy through the money they send back. The latest attacks have brought the conflict dangerously close to places where these workers live. Iran has launched missiles at American bases located in several Gulf countries. If such retaliation expands, many Nepalis could face attacks that put their lives at risk. This possibility has created fear among migrant workers, as airspace shutdowns, missile alerts and escalating tensions have intensified anxiety. Workers are worried about their safety, jobs and salaries.