MPs Demand Urgent Rescue of Nepalis Held in Saudi Arabia

Lawmakers are urging the government to take quick action to rescue hundreds of Nepali workers who are reportedly being held against their will in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

In an emergency meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday, Gyanendra Shahi, a Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), raised serious concerns about the matter. He called for the immediate rescue of 469 Nepalis and criticized the ongoing abuse of Nepali migrant workers. He said the government must act without delay.

Rama Koirala Paudel, an MP from the Nepali Congress, also spoke on the issue. She said the foreign employment system needs major changes and suggested creating a labor commission with representatives from the government, employers and workers to solve long-standing problems.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security have both said they are aware of the situation and are committed to investigating it.