Nepal on the Brink: Global Security and Economic Threat Escalates

United Economic Forum – Special Report

In a shocking turn of events, more than 13,000 serious criminals have reportedly escaped from prisons during the recent Gen Z protests in Nepal. On 9 September (9-9-9), inmates are said to have forcibly broken out of correctional facilities, an incident allegedly linked to movements initiated by political figure Rabi Lamichhane and subsequently joined by other criminal groups. This unprecedented breach of security has destabilized the nation domestically and raised grave concerns across the international community.

Current global risk assessments now classify Nepal as a fully high-risk (“red”) zone, ranking it among the most dangerous countries in the world. The convergence of thousands of hardened criminals with widespread civil unrest has created severe instability and a near-total erosion of public confidence in state institutions.

Rising Security Concerns

The mass prison break and release of violent offenders pose an immediate threat to law and order. Risks of organized crime, cross-border trafficking, political violence, and terrorist infiltration are sharply escalating. Regional stability in South Asia is under significant strain, as Nepal’s already fragile governance struggles to contain spiraling unrest.

Global Response

In response to these alarming developments, many countries are preparing to suspend or completely shut down visa processes for Nepalese nationals. Although these measures are severe, they are being deemed necessary to safeguard international security and prevent the cross-border spread of criminal networks.

Economic and Diplomatic Fallout

The consequences for Nepal’s economy are expected to be devastating. With tourism collapsing, foreign investment at risk, and international travel restrictions mounting, the country faces the prospect of severe economic isolation. Diplomatically, trust in Kathmandu is eroding as governments reconsider their security, trade, and development commitments.

Call for Immediate Action

The United Economic Forum strongly urges the Government of Nepal and international stakeholders to act with urgency. Critical priorities must include:

Restoring the rule of law by immediately re-securing correctional facilities.

Deploying emergency governance measures to stabilize fragile institutions.

Mobilizing international assistance to prevent a full-scale collapse of state authority.

Without decisive and coordinated intervention, Nepal risks sliding into uncontrollable chaos, threatening not only its own citizens but also regional stability and global economic security.