Kathmandu, March 1 -- Nepal has halted the issuance of work permits for Gulf countries in the wake of heightening tensions in the region, as Iran continues to attack Middle East nations since Saturday.

An emergency Cabinet meeting held on Sunday at the Prime Minister's residence decided to halt the issuance of work permits for those flying to Gulf countries, citing security reasons.

"Work permits issued to workers going for foreign employment in those countries have been suspended for the time being due to the increased risk arising from the recent adverse situation in the Middle East," Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Singh Bhandari confirmed.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Employment had been issuing w...