The ongoing tensions linked to Iran have begun to affect Nepal deeply, threatening the country’s heavy dependence on migrant workers and the remittances they send home.
The impact became painfully clear after a deadly drone attack in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which killed several migrant workers, including a young Nepali security guard. The incident has sent shockwaves across Nepal, where many families rely on relatives working abroad for survival.
For families like Dibas Shrestha’s, the tragedy is deeply personal. Like thousands of Nepali youths, he had travelled abroad in search of better opportunities, hoping to support his family and build a future. His death highlights the risks migrant workers face in conflict zones.
Across Nepal, fear is growing among families with loved ones working in the Middle East. According to officials, around 700,000 Nepali migrants are currently in the UAE alone, with millions more spread across Gulf countries and other conflict-affected regions.
The Nepalese government has responded by suspending flights to several destinations and launching evacuation efforts. Nepal Airlines has begun chartered operations to bring stranded workers back home as fears of wider conflict increase.
Authorities say more than 50,000 Nepali workers have already expressed a desire to return home due to safety concerns. Many report being forced to continue working despite missile and drone attacks in their host countries.
At the same time, outbound migration from Nepal has slowed significantly. Before the crisis, up to 3,000 workers left the country daily for jobs abroad. Now, that number has dropped sharply, with labor permits temporarily suspended for several high-risk destinations.
The situation is raising serious economic concerns. According to the World Bank, remittances account for more than a quarter of Nepal’s GDP, making them a critical pillar of the economy. Any disruption to this flow could have long-term consequences.
Recruitment agencies warn that thousands of workers who had planned to travel abroad are now returning to their villages, unable to proceed due to the conflict. Even if migration resumes, experts say it could take months for remittance flows to stabilize.
Beyond migration, the conflict is also affecting daily life in Nepal. Rising global fuel prices and supply disruptions are pushing up the cost of living. Long queues for cooking gas have been reported, forcing many households to switch to alternative energy sources, such as electric stoves.
Fuel price hikes are also hitting small businesses and transport workers. Taxi drivers and traders say increased costs could reduce demand and affect their livelihoods.
The crisis shows how global conflicts can have far-reaching effects beyond their immediate regions. For Nepal, a country heavily dependent on overseas workers, the Iran-related tensions are not just a foreign issue—they are a direct economic and social challenge.
As uncertainty continues, both the government and families are left facing difficult questions about safety, employment, and the future of one of Nepal’s most important economic lifelines.