Nepal stopped issuing work permits in Russia and Ukraine

The authorities of Nepal suspended the issuance of work permits to citizens in Russia and Ukraine. The government made such a decision after at least 10 Nepalis, recruited into the Russian army, died in Ukraine. Earlier, Kathmandu demanded from Moscow to stop the recruitment of Nepalese, and to return those already recruited back home.

According to the calculations of the Nepalese authorities, at least 200 mercenaries from this country can now fight on the Russian side in Ukraine. It is not specified whether they serve under a contract in the army or are recruited into the PMC. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Narayan Prakash Saud said that the whereabouts of 100 people is unknown.

Nepal issues work permits abroad to its citizens, counting on their employment in peaceful professions. The laws of Nepal prohibit citizens from serving in the armies of other countries, with the exception of a few friendly states, in particular India and Great Britain.

At the beginning of December last year, it became known about the death of six citizens of Nepal who fought on the side of Russia in Ukraine. Later, their number increased to 10. It is also claimed that one Nepalese was captured by the Ukrainian military, and Kathmandu is now trying to secure his release. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country called on citizens not to participate in the war in Ukraine on either side.