Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, asserted that a significant portion of the Foreign Ministry’s recent activities has been dedicated to rescuing stranded Nepalis abroad.
Speaking at a training session organized by the Nepali Congress Central Training Academy in Bhairahawa today, Minister Rana remarked, “Nepalis abroad are facing such dire challenges that, at times, it seems as though the primary function of the Foreign Ministry has been reduced to rescue operations.
“She acknowledged the immense difficulty in carrying out these rescues due to resource constraints, including a shortage of human capital. At present, Nepal has diplomatic missions in only 40 countries, whereas Nepalis reside in over 100 nations worldwide.
The Minister further admitted that the Ministry lacks comprehensive records on the whereabouts of Nepalis abroad or how they got there, except in cases where individuals encounter difficulties and require repatriation.
Citing the example of Nepali medical students in Bangladesh, she revealed that the Ministry only became aware of their numbers when the need for their evacuation arose.
“Despite limited staffing, the Nepali Embassy in Dhaka facilitated the safe return of stranded students,” she recalled, emphasizing that similar challenges persist elsewhere, and the Ministry continues to respond despite severe resource constraints.
Expressing deep concern over the growing number of Nepali women illegally traveling to Middle Eastern countries-despite a government ban on domestic work in the region-she warned that such unauthorized migration makes rescue efforts even more challenging.
On a different note, Minister Rana clarified that the Ministry has introduced a new position to enhance consular services for the Nepali diaspora and strengthen Nepal’s foreign relations beyond traditional diplomacy. This decision, she stated, followed an Organization and Management survey and is expected to streamline diplomatic functions in the near future.
She also highlighted the establishment of Nepali consulate offices in Texas, San Francisco, and Dubai-regions with substantial Nepali populations but no prior diplomatic presence.
Cautioning against over-reliance on foreign aid, Minister Rana pointed to reports that the U.S. government is considering halting its assistance to Nepal.
She urged the Nepali Congress to spearhead a grassroots movement to create employment opportunities domestically, ensuring sustainable national development.
