Nepal halting permits for Gurkhas in Russian army

Nepal stopped issuing permissions for its citizens to work in Russia Friday after 10 Nepali soldiers were killed while serving in the war in Ukraine.

Nepal also formally asked Russia not to recruit its citizens into the Russian army and to compensate the families of those killed in combat in Ukraine.

The Nepali government said at least 200 of its citizens were working for the Russian military, and foreign minister N.P. Saud told state-run news agency RSS that 100 Nepalis are missing in the country.

Nepali soldiers, known as Gurkhas, are legendary for their skill on the battlefield. They served in the British and Indian armies following India’s independence in 1947 under a trilateral agreement. There is no agreement with Russia for the soldiers to fight in the nearly two-year conflict in Ukraine, according to reports.

Nepali migrant workers must receive permission from the government in order to accept work outside the country. The permits entitle them to state support in case of emergencies abroad and compensation to their families in the case of death.

Millions of Nepalis are employed as laborers in South Korea and the Middle East.

More than 800 Nepalis were issued labor permits for non-military work in Russia over the last two years.

With Post Wires