480 Nepalis Incarcerated in Saudi Arabia

The Embassy of Nepal in Riyadh has reported that approximately 480 Nepali citizens are currently incarcerated in Saudi Arabia due to various offenses, with a significant number involved in illicit liquor activities. First Secretary Top Narayan Giri revealed that a staggering 80% of those detained were implicated in the production, distribution, and consumption of homemade alcohol.

Nepalis have been found using ‘marcha’, a traditional fermentation starter culture imported from Nepal, to craft liquor from ingredients such as rice, wheat, and dates, among others.

Saudi Arabia implements stringent penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and flogging, for individuals engaged in the illicit production and distribution of alcohol. Foreign nationals caught committing such offenses can face imprisonment ranging from six months to seven years under Saudi law.

This revelation comes amidst similar reports of Nepali nationals being detained in Kuwait for comparable liquor-related transgressions, as disclosed by the Foreign Employment Board Secretariat.