KATHMANDU: A Nepali youth has been killed in an attack at Sheikh Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed, as the government moved swiftly to constitute an emergency response team and launched an online registration drive for the more than 1.8 million Nepali citizens living and working across West Asia.

The death came amid escalating tensions in the region following US-Israel military action on Iran and subsequent counterattacks, raising security concerns across major labour destinations for Nepali migrants.

The Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi has initiated the repatriation process for the body, and the deceased's family has been notified through the concerned District Administration Office. The ministry expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family.

Apart from this incident, all ten Nepali missions across West Asia have reported that Nepali citizens in the region, as well as those transiting through airports there, are safe so far.

The Government has constituted an Emergency Response Team under the coordination of the Foreign Secretary to ensure coordinated and prompt action. The team includes joint-secretary-level representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and the ministries of Home, Finance, Law, Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Education, along with the Department of Foreign Employment and the Department of Consular Services. Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also formed a rapid action team to intensify support measures, including possible rescue operations if required.

To track and assist Nepali nationals, the Department of Consular Services has launched a secure online data collection portal at https://legal.nepalconsular.gov.np/urgent-rescue. Missions across West Asia have begun issuing notices urging Nepali citizens to register their details. The Embassy of Nepal in Riyadh has specifically called on Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia to submit their information, saying updated data would enable timely response and appropriate action in emergencies.

The ministry said its ten missions are filing daily situation reports to Kathmandu and maintaining active diplomatic coordination with host governments, embassies of concerned countries in Kathmandu and international organisations. Liaison committees affiliated with various political parties have also designated contact persons to assist workers in need.

Official figures show more than 1.7 million Nepalis are employed in Gulf countries alone, making the region one of the largest destinations for Nepali migrant workers.

Nepali nationals in West Asia are urged to follow only advisories from their respective host governments and official notices from the ministry and Nepali missions, to adopt all recommended safety measures and to stay in contact with the nearest mission and local Nepali community networks.