Citing deaths in war, Nepal stops issuing citizens permits to work in Russia and Ukraine

Nepal has stopped issuing permits to work in Russia and Ukraine to its citizens after several Nepali soldiers were killed in the war in Ukraine, reports Reuters, citing Kabiraj Upreti, a director at the country’s department of foreign employment. Upreti said that the decision was made “for the safety of our citizens.” Reuters notes that Nepali nationals are required to obtain permits from authorities to work abroad.

The Nepali government estimates that up to 200 Nepali citizens may be serving in the Russian army. Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says that approximately 100 citizens are listed as missing.

In early December, Nepal asked Russia to stop recruiting its citizens to fight in the war against Ukraine. At the time, Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said that six Nepalis had died in the war. Reuters reports that currently, the Nepali authorities are aware of the deaths of 10 citizens.