Qatar Emir in Nepal on 2-day visit

The government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday in honour of the Emir.

Qatar is home to around 400,000 Nepalis, mostly labourers, and the Emir’s rescheduled visit comes barely a week before the investment summit being hosted by the government, in which Nepal wants Qatar’s active participation, especially in the energy sector.

Nepal and Qatar are likely to sign at least four MoUs following a bilateral discussion in which Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and other top officials are expected to participate.

A senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the MOUs will relate to higher education and scientific research and sports.

Qatar is a major contributor to Nepal’s remittance-driven economy(around 30 per cent). However, Qatar has been facing pressure from the international human rights groups for depriving Nepali workers of their dues for the contributions they made for building infrastructure for FIFA World Cup-2022, and “unfair and discriminatory laws” there. “The issue is being raised to ensure that Nepali workers get fair treatment and good working conditions,” the official said.