Kathmandu, Nepal, March 19, 2026: In a move providing significant relief to thousands of migrant workers, the Government of Nepal has officially reinstated re-entry labour permits for seven countries, primarily in the Gulf region. The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security announced on Wednesday that Nepali workers currently on leave in Nepal can now return to their jobs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, and Turkey.
The decision follows a formal recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which assessed that the security environment in these specific nations remains manageable despite broader regional volatility. The move comes as a response to growing pressure from migrant workers who were stranded in Nepal after a blanket suspension was implemented on March 1. That suspension, triggered by escalating regional tensions and attacks on energy infrastructure, had left many workers facing the imminent expiration of their visas and employment contracts.
However, the government is maintaining a strict "Red Zone" policy for areas at the heart of the current military conflict. Re-entry permits remain indefinitely suspended for six countries, most notably Israel, Lebanon, and Iraq. Ministry officials stated that the intensity of airstrikes and missile exchanges in these zones makes civilian return unacceptably hazardous. The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) has clarified that while the situation in these high-risk areas is being monitored daily, the priority remains the safety of Nepali citizens.
The DoFE has already instructed its offices to begin processing applications for the seven approved destinations immediately to clear the massive backlog. While the news has been welcomed by those employed in the Gulf, uncertainty remains for those whose livelihoods depend on the "Red Zone" countries. As global crude oil prices surge past $108 per barrel amid the ongoing "Energy War," the Nepal government continues to urge its citizens to verify their travel routes and maintain close contact with their employers regarding the stability of regional aviation corridors.
