Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Shmulik Arie Bass, met with Nepal's Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr. Raghuji Pant. The meeting focused on resuming the internship program for Nepali agriculture students in Israel.
On the occasion, Minister Pant appreciated the various forms of support Israel has extended to Nepal over the years. Ambassador Bass provided details about the program, which has been in operation since 2001.
Through this program, over 4,000 Nepali agriculture students have had the opportunity to travel to Israel and gain hands-on agricultural experience. Several of them have made significant contributions to Nepal’s agriculture sector upon returning home.
Following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Nepali students were barred from traveling to Israel. Ambassador Bass expressed concern that if procedural delays continue, nearly 1,000 aspiring agriculture interns from Nepal may miss the opportunity to contribute to the country’s agricultural development.
He requested the Ministry of Education to assist by ensuring that students are registered at their universities promptly and granted permission to travel to Israel.
In this context, the Ministry of Education clarified that there are no obstacles preventing students from returning to Israel for their internships. The Ministry has also proposed increasing the quota next year to address demand.
Based on positive reports from Nepal's ambassador to Israel and feedback from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a notice stating that the security situation in Israel is now normal and that the internship process should continue as before.
All concerned bodies have been requested to expedite the student registration process, provide timely information to students, and coordinate effectively with universities.
Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Shiv Kumar Sapkota, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.
