Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The government has resumed labour approvals for four countries—Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain and Lebanon—after a temporary suspension triggered by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of Labour Employment and Social Security Nepal, marking a gradual normalization of foreign employment processes for Nepali workers.
Suspension Due to Regional Conflict
The ministry had halted both new and renewed labour approvals on Falgun 17 (early March 2026) following escalating tensions in the Middle East after military actions involving the United States and Israel targeting Iran.
As a precautionary measure, Nepal had suspended labour approvals for a broad group of countries across West Asia and the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, Turkey, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Gradual Resumption of Labour Approvals
Prior to this latest decision, the government had already resumed labour approvals for several countries on Chaitra 3, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Jordan and Turkey.
With the reopening for Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Lebanon, the government has now restored labour migration channels to most major destinations in the region.
Exception for Iran
However, labour approvals for Iran continue under a separate provision. According to the Department of Foreign Employment Nepal, approvals for Iran are being processed based on a Cabinet decision dated Poush 11, reflecting a more cautious and case-specific approach.
Implications for Migrant Workers
The reopening of labour approvals is expected to provide relief to thousands of Nepali workers seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly in the Gulf and Middle East, which remain key labour destinations.
Labour migration is a critical pillar of Nepal’s economy, contributing significantly to remittance inflows and household income. The temporary suspension had created uncertainty for both workers and recruitment agencies.
With the resumption, authorities anticipate a gradual normalization of labour migration flows, although the government is expected to continue monitoring the regional security situation closely.
Officials have indicated that further decisions will be guided by geopolitical developments and the safety of Nepali workers abroad.
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