Nepali nationals in Ukraine being evacuated with the help of NRNA

KATHMANDU, Feb 26: The government in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has started evacuating Nepali nationals stranded in Ukraine, which is fighting against Russian invasion. A fierce fighting is reported currently underway between Russian forces and the Ukraine’s military in the capital city Kiev.

According to the Embassy of Nepal in Germany, which is concurrently accredited to Ukraine, there are about 200 Nepali nationals living in Ukraine. Around 40 of them are permanent residents of Ukraine, while most others are students pursuing various courses there. 

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Ambassador of Nepal to Germany Ram Kaji Khadka said necessary coordination is being made with the local NRNA chapter and government authorities concerned to evacuate Nepali nationals from Ukraine. "We have sent diplomatic notes to the Ministry Foreign Affairs of Slovakia, Hungary and Poland to facilitate Nepali nationals to enter their countries if they arrived at their border to escape war in Ukraine," Ambassador Khadka told Republic over phone. "  

The Embassy of Nepal in Germany had earlier advised all Nepali nationals to leave Ukraine and go to Poland, Hungary and Slovakia as far as possible. Ambassador Khadka said some Nepali students have complained that they are running short of money even to buy food and leave Ukraine. "We are closely working with the NRNA to help them in all possible ways," he further said.

According to NRNA, Poland, a total of 11 Nepali nationals have safely reached Poland while 19 others are waiting on the Ukraine side of the border to enter Poland as of Friday evening. Similarly, a total of 20 other Nepali nationals are currently on their way from Kiev to Poland.

NRNA-Poland said six other Nepali nationals stranded in Ukraine have established contact with them and efforts are being made to relocate them to safer locations and evacuate them to Poland.

Ambassador Khadka said two Nepali medical doctors working in Ukraine's military hospital have contacted the embassy for help. "Since the place they are currently living is less than 30 kilometer away from Romania, we have suggested they move to Romania. Nepal's honorary consul has assured that he would help secure visas to them," he told Republica.