Kuwait Embassy reports rise in Bhutanese registrations amid Gulf tensions

2026-03-18 - 12:22

Photo: Drone Snap (YouTube) As tensions continue across parts of the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said that all Bhutanese nationals in the Gulf region are safe. More than 7,300 have already registered with the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait. Officials said that even with the security situation uncertain, most people are carrying on with their daily lives. Bhutanese in the Gulf continue to live largely unaffected amid regional tensions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade estimates around 7,861 Bhutanese are residing across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. As of yesterday, more than 7,300 Bhutanese have registered with the Kuwait embassy, up from 6,790 on March 6. Officials said this growing registration is critical, as it enables authorities to quickly reach citizens during emergencies. While almost everyone is believed to have registered, the ministry continues to urge the remaining individuals to do so. On the ground, daily life appears largely stable. Most Bhutanese nationals are reported to continue their regular work, with no major disruptions reported in access to food, transport, or accommodation. “The situation here in Kuwait is normal for now, and we cannot interpret how it could get in the future. We are still going to work, and no one has been directly affected,” said Kezang Dorji, President, Bhutanese Association in Kuwait. The largest Bhutanese population remains in Kuwait, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. According to the ministry, feedback from the Bhutanese community has been mixed. Some are seeking to return home, particularly those who have completed contracts or resigned, while others are choosing to continue working. Meanwhile, Bhutanese currently on vacation in Bhutan are inquiring about when they can return to their jobs in the region. “There are people here who want to return to their country. For example, the Kuwait government has arranged a bus service that will go to Saudi Arabia from Kuwait and then people can board a flight from Saudi Arabia to Delhi,” said Kezang Dorji, President, Bhutanese Association in Kuwait. Authorities say they will continue to closely monitor the situation and work through embassies to ensure the safety and well-being of all Bhutanese nationals in the region. Kinley Bidha Edited by Sonam Pem