Nepal Enforces Travel Restrictions to Russia and Ukraine Amid Rising Casualties

Nepal has banned its citizens from traveling to Russia and Ukraine for employment after reports that ten Nepali men were killed and dozens missing while fighting in the Russian military. Over 200 Nepali soldiers are believed to have joined the Russian army since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with more than 100 unaccounted for. A smaller number are thought to be fighting in the Ukrainian army. The foreign ministry confirmed suspension of work permits for both countries. Foreign employment director Kabiraj Upreti announced the temporary halt. Kathmandu also demanded that Nepali fighters not be deployed on either side and called for repatriation of bodies and compensation. Human traffickers have been smuggling young Nepali men to fight in Russia, offering fast-track citizenship and higher salaries. In December, 12 individuals were arrested for trafficking 150-200 men to Russia, charging US$9,000 for tourist visas. President Putin's decree expedites citizenship for foreigners enlisting in the Russian army for at least one year. Nepal previously urged Russia to return bodies of six soldiers and demanded compensation.

Nepal has banned its citizens from traveling to Russia and Ukraine for employment after reports that ten Nepali men were killed and dozens missing while fighting in the Russian military. Over 200 Nepali soldiers are believed to have joined the Russian army since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with more than 100 unaccounted for. A smaller number are thought to be fighting in the Ukrainian army. The foreign ministry confirmed suspension of work permits for both countries. Foreign employment director Kabiraj Upreti announced the temporary halt. Kathmandu also demanded that Nepali fighters not be deployed on either side and called for repatriation of bodies and compensation. Human traffickers have been smuggling young Nepali men to fight in Russia, offering fast-track citizenship and higher salaries. In December, 12 individuals were arrested for trafficking 150-200 men to Russia, charging US$9,000 for tourist visas. President Putin's decree expedites citizenship for foreigners enlisting in the Russian army for at least one year. Nepal previously urged Russia to return bodies of six soldiers and demanded compensation.

Nepal has banned its citizens from traveling to Russia and Ukraine for employment after reports that ten Nepali men were killed and dozens missing while fighting in the Russian military. Over 200 Nepali soldiers are believed to have joined the Russian army since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with more than 100 unaccounted for. A smaller number are thought to be fighting in the Ukrainian army. The foreign ministry confirmed suspension of work permits for both countries. Foreign employment director Kabiraj Upreti announced the temporary halt. Kathmandu also demanded that Nepali fighters not be deployed on either side and called for repatriation of bodies and compensation. Human traffickers have been smuggling young Nepali men to fight in Russia, offering fast-track citizenship and higher salaries. In December, 12 individuals were arrested for trafficking 150-200 men to Russia, charging US$9,000 for tourist visas. President Putin's decree expedites citizenship for foreigners enlisting in the Russian army for at least one year. Nepal previously urged Russia to return bodies of six soldiers and demanded compensation.

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