June 25, Kathmandu – Boarding a plane to return home is a moment of joy for migrant workers. For Mrigendra Kumar Mandal of Surunga Municipality-4, Saptari, who worked in Saudi Arabia, that joyful moment was approaching after two years of hard work, filled with hope of reuniting with his family. However, when his passport was scanned at the airport counter, a staff member’s words stopped him in his tracks. “You are under travel restriction; you cannot go to Nepal,” the airport officer informed him. His dream of returning home and sharing happiness with his family was shattered. His life has since changed drastically. He now spends many days on the streets and others resting in mosque corners.
The accident that turned his life upside down happened 15 years ago when Mrigendra was imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. He had been working as a vehicle driver, leading an ordinary life. Unfortunately, he was involved in a car accident in which a Jordanian national died. The Saudi Refa Court found him guilty and sentenced him to six years in prison. After serving the term, Mrigendra’s employer purchased a ‘final exit’ ticket for him, allowing him to return to Nepal in 2018. For five to six years, he worked labor jobs in his village, but poverty and family responsibilities forced him to seek work abroad once more.
In May 2023, he went back to Saudi Arabia, where he worked diligently as a driver for a new company for two years. After completing his contract, Mrigendra arrived at the airport with his bags, only to be stopped when he submitted his passport. Security personnel informed him of a travel ban preventing him from returning to Nepal. Although he had already served the imprisonment related to the accident, the court had reopened the case and imposed a blood money fine of 330,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately 13.3 million Nepali Rupees). He cannot leave Saudi Arabia or return to Nepal until this amount is paid.
Upon learning of this restriction, Mrigendra sought assistance from the Nepalese Embassy in Riyadh, hoping for support. However, his expectations were unmet, and he left disheartened. “When I requested accommodation and food support due to my inability to return home, embassy staff turned me away, saying they had no place for me,” he said. He also expressed frustration that the embassy declined to help arrange a lawyer for his case. “If I had the money for legal action, I wouldn’t need embassy assistance,” he remarked. Furthermore, no official documents regarding the blood money fine have been provided to him. Without adequate legal or diplomatic intervention, he remains stranded. Currently, he lives on the streets of Saudi Arabia, begging and sleeping on cold mosque floors. He also reported being exploited by some Nepali individuals under the pretense of helping him with embassy-related matters, charging him money unjustly. His family back in Saptari is deeply distressed by his condition. They are calling on the Nepalese government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and relevant authorities for immediate rescue and protection.
The Embassy Responds: Investigating the Case The Nepalese Embassy in Riyadh has stated that it is currently examining Mrigendra’s case. The embassy is coordinating with relevant Saudi authorities regarding the incident from 15 years ago. Labor Counselor Kaviraj Upreti said, “This is a 15-year-old case; he has already served six years in prison. After gaining clear information, further procedures will be taken.” He added, “Mrigendra was stopped at the airport upon returning from Saudi Arabia after working there again, and the blood money must be paid. Once we fully understand the case, we will take necessary actions.”
