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A year ago, we did not have a Nepalese Embassy in Kuwait and a primary issue of concern was the problems suffered by Nepalese workers, mostly domestic staff, in the country. Although the Indian Embassy here attempted to help these people over the years, this was not enough to really help to end the problems of the Nepalese community here, particularly those who had major legal difficulties which sometimes saw them end up in prison.

So, is there a Nepalese Embassy in Kuwait now? Before I leap in to say yes or no, rumors say that there is and that the Ambassador of Nepal has begun his duties. If this is true, he should know that there are some longstanding problems that he needs to consider, especially those related to Nepalese people imprisoned here or awaiting deportation over legal troubles.

He also needs to examine what led them to experience problems with the law and the police; if there is a problem concerning their lack of knowledge of the country’s laws or a failure to respect them, then the embassy should abstain from the fun parts of diplomacy – the receptions and cocktail parties – and get down to work in ending the agonies and problems of those Nepalese people here.

If the embassy is unprepared for beginning its work with the public, including its own citizens, then the issue should be resolved immediately – speculation about the Nepalese community’s role needs clarification!

In the last few days, there have been unconfirmed reports in the local and regional press suggesting that a request was made to the Nepalese government concerning the possible recruitment of 200 Nepalese security staff to secure sensitive and restricted official areas in Kuwait!

Although the rumors have been denied as false by the Nepalese Ambassador in Kuwait, some local columnists have said that the Nepalese reaction to the reports, whether positive or negative, is irrelevant.

Such a move would not be accepted by many Kuwaitis simply since it would raise the question, why aren’t Kuwaitis being hired to do the job? We have many unemployed Kuwaitis, so why can’t they be hired to fill these positions, especially in guarding secure facilities? Whether or not it’s confirmed, which hasn’t been done yet and looks unlikely, I think the whole idea is outrageous and unacceptable whatever the justification.

The Nepalese already in Kuwait have many issues that require attention and I hope the new embassy will focus more on the needs of those already in Kuwait before even considering bringing any more to the country.

Muna Al-Fuzai, Staff Columnist
Email: muna@kuwaittimes.net