Nepal has stopped issuing work permits to its citizens in Russia and Ukraine. At least 10 Nepali soldiers were killed while serving in the Russian army. This was reported by Reuters.
The Nepali government has called on Russia to stop recruiting Nepalese into its army, send back all Nepalese soldiers, and pay compensation to the families of the victims.
According to the Nepali government, about 200 citizens are currently serving in the Russian army, and about 100 more are missing.
"Nepali soldiers, called Gurkhas, are known for their bravery and combat skills and have served in the British and Indian armies since India gained independence in 1947 under an agreement between the three countries. There is no such agreement with Russia," the publication explains.
Kabiraj Upreti, Director of the Department of Overseas Employment, noted that the decision to suspend the issuance of work permits is a temporary measure aimed at minimizing human casualties.
Nepali citizens must obtain a work permit from the government to work abroad in order to be eligible for government support in case of emergencies or compensation for their families in case of death.
"Last month, Nepali police detained 10 people on charges that they sent unemployed young men to be illegally recruited into the Russian army, charging them huge sums of money for tourist visas," Reuters adds.