Nepali media reports have accused Saudi Arabia of exploiting Nepali nationals stranded in Gulf states and seeking to return home via Saudi airports.

They said Saudi authorities require:

▪️ An electronic visa to enter Saudi Arabia costing $700.

▪️ A one-way ticket booked exclusively through Saudia for $700.

According to the reports, the $1,400 charged by Saudi Arabia to each Nepali worker wishing to return home is equivalent to roughly a year’s wages.

Nepali media also said Saudi Arabia does not treat stranded Western nationals in the same way, but offers them better facilitation, particularly Americans.