Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba recently said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now mainly focused on rescuing Nepali nationals stuck abroad. She shared her thoughts during a training session held by the Nepali Congress’s Central Training Academy in Bhairahawa.
Shift in the Ministry’s Role
Dr. Rana explained that the Ministry’s tasks have changed. “Nepalis abroad are facing many problems. It seems that the Ministry is now mostly focused on rescuing them,” she said. She admitted that it’s not easy to rescue Nepalis, given the limited resources. This includes a lack of manpower and the vast number of Nepali citizens abroad.
The Ministry currently has diplomatic missions in 40 countries. However, Nepalis live in over 100 countries worldwide. This gap makes it difficult for the Ministry to keep track of all Nepalis. “We don’t know where Nepalis are or how they got there, unless they are in trouble,” Dr. Rana explained.
Case of Nepali Students in Bangladesh
The Minister gave an example to show how the Ministry learned about Nepalis in other countries only during emergencies. She shared the case of Nepali medical students in Bangladesh. The Ministry found out about the students’ situation when they needed to be rescued.
“Even then, the Nepali Embassy in Dhaka managed to bring them back, despite limited staff,” she said. This situation is similar in other countries. The Ministry is doing what it can to help, even though resources are scarce.
Illegal Migration and Its Dangers
Dr. Rana also expressed concern about Nepali women traveling illegally to the Middle East. Despite the government’s ban on sending Nepali women for domestic work in these countries, thousands still go. “If they get into trouble, it becomes hard to rescue them,” she warned.
The Minister emphasized that illegal migration is a serious problem. Nepali women who migrate illegally face high risks, including exploitation and abuse. The Ministry is working to raise awareness about these dangers and prevent such migrations.
New Consular Services to Help Nepalis Abroad
In response to these challenges, Dr. Rana announced the creation of a new position to improve consular services. The position was introduced after an in-depth survey. The goal is to make it easier for Nepali citizens to access services abroad.
The Minister also highlighted the expansion of Nepal’s diplomatic presence. New consulates have been set up in Texas and San Francisco in the USA, and Dubai in the UAE. These areas have a large number of Nepali nationals, and the new consulates aim to offer better services to the community.
A Call for Economic Self-Reliance
Dr. Rana also spoke about Nepal’s dependence on foreign aid. She noted that reports suggest the US may stop sending aid to Nepal. “This could happen in other countries too,” she warned. In response, she called on the Nepali Congress to launch a campaign to create jobs for young people in Nepal.
“We must focus on developing our own country,” Dr. Rana said. Creating jobs at home will help reduce reliance on foreign aid and remittances. It will also provide a better future for Nepali citizens.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs faces many challenges. With Nepalis living in over 100 countries, the Ministry must adapt to new roles. It’s not just about diplomacy anymore; the Ministry is now heavily involved in rescue missions and consular support.
Dr. Rana’s announcement about new consular positions and consulates is a positive step. These actions will help improve services for Nepali nationals abroad. The Ministry is also focused on job creation and economic development in Nepal. This approach will help reduce the need for foreign aid in the future.
As Nepal faces ongoing challenges, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is doing its best to adapt. Rescue missions, consular support, and job creation are essential to ensure the well-being of Nepali citizens abroad.
For more updates on Nepal’s foreign affairs and global diplomacy, visit Nepal Monitor.
