Family Claims Nepali Detained in Iran Has Not Been Released Yet, Government States ‘Process Underway’

Although Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal announced that Nepali youth Amrit Jha, detained in Iran, had been released, his family insists he remains in jail. Amrit’s sister, Pooja, informed on Monday afternoon that her brother recently called her to confirm he is still imprisoned. “My brother just phoned me,” she said. “He asked, ‘What is being done to secure my release from Nepal?’ I replied, ‘We heard you have been released.'” Recounting her conversation with Amrit, Pooja added, “But that is not true. Only this morning, we received a letter from the court stating our case is still under investigation, which is why he is being held.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman has confirmed that the process for Amrit Jha’s release has begun. Amrit was part of the crew of a vessel owned by Black Sea Marine LLC, based in the UAE, and was detained while heading to Iran from Dubai to collect oil. Officials had previously stated that Amrit had been released and was in contact with the Nepali embassy in Qatar. They reported that Jha was held on Qeshm Island. However, Pooja claims that Amrit informed her he is still in Bandar Abbas prison, located in Hormozgan province, known among human rights activists as a detention center of concern in Iran.

“I was shocked when he called,” Pooja said. “We were happy upon hearing my brother had been released, but the next day, learning he remains jailed has left us with doubts.” Foreign Minister Khanal had announced on Wednesday afternoon that confirmation of release had been received. On Monday, attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri confirmed that appeals for Amrit’s release have begun but cautioned it might take some time. “The release process has started, but court procedures may take a while,” he said. “The embassy is covering the safe return expenses, and the ministry is actively involved in the efforts.”

Basanta Kumar Basnet, chief of Triyuga Municipality in Udayapur, stated he has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consular Service Department urging them to act to rescue Amrit but has yet to receive a reply. “I tried to meet with the minister but was unsuccessful. I sent a letter but got no response. Only the family was informed about the release; we don’t know what happened afterward,” Basnet explained. Amrit’s mother has said that her son has worked for a maritime company for nearly a decade.

The Foreign Ministry has yet to disclose details of other Nepalis stranded in Iran. It confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to repatriate a total of 11 Nepalis, including Amrit, stuck in Iran. With no commercial flights available due to the conflict sparked by attacks from the US and Israel, these individuals are unable to return home. According to the ministry, 10 Nepalis remain in Tehran, with a total of 11 including Amrit. Following India’s evacuation of its citizens and those from neighboring countries, Nepal has intensified efforts to rescue its nationals. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Friday, “Since the conflict began in Iran, we have evacuated 2,361 people—2,060 via Armenia and 301 via Azerbaijan.”

Many Nepalis had traveled to Iran seeking employment. Following Israel’s attack on Iran in June last year, India assisted in evacuating 11 Nepalis. At that time, diplomatic officials urged Nepalis in Iran to reach out, revealing 17 Nepalis were present, five of whom were detained on immigration violation charges. This time too, news had emerged of a Nepali detained in Iran even before the recent US and Israeli attacks.

What is the government’s plan? Efforts are underway to bring Jha from Qeshm Island, near the Hormuz Strait, the conflict’s hotspot, outside Iran, according to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri emphasized ongoing attempts to rescue Jha along with 10 other Nepalis. “We are working on various options to evacuate all 11 individuals,” he said. “The Nepalis in Tehran are willing to return. We are pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure their safe return.” Despite a ceasefire, the absence of commercial flights and closure of the Hormuz maritime route make evacuation by air or sea difficult. Nepal has requested India’s assistance for the rescue operation and urged that other stranded Nepalis also be brought home.

Nepali officials have noted that many Nepalis in Iran work primarily as chefs or cooks.