Nepal becomes new transit point for migrants on way to Arab countries

(June 15,2010) Human traffickers are taking advantage of Nepal’s political instability,
in order to use the mountain nation as a new transit point for migrant workers and refugees. Kathmandu police recently stopped more than 1,200 Bangladesh nationals trying to use Nepal, in order to travel to Arab countries on fake Nepali passports. Local sources said that traffickers demanded US$ 4,000 to 5,000 per document. Everything came to light when racket kingpin Mohhamad Saibuddin was caught by police with a group of migrants hiding in a Kathmandu house. As Nepalis are considered good workers in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, local companies often facilitate their immigration. For human traffickers, this means forcing migrant workers from India and Bangladesh, to accept a fake Nepali passport before going to Arab countries.
Nepal’s Home Affairs Minister Bhim Rawal said “This international racket has become a threat because of our political instability. However, we will bring them to justice with the help of the international community,” he added