Toxic alcohol kills Nepali workers in Kuwait

Kuwait City, August 16, 2025: A deadly wave of methanol-tainted alcohol in Kuwait has claimed the lives of at least 10 Nepali migrant workers, with dozens more fighting for survival in hospitals.

Kuwaiti health officials said 23 people have died so far and more than 160 are being treated, most of them migrant workers from Asia. Among them, 30 to 35 Nepalis are in hospital, some in critical care.

The Nepali Embassy in Kuwait confirmed 10 deaths but migrant journalist groups on the ground say the real number could be higher, with reports of 16 Nepali deaths. Embassy staff said they rushed to hospitals after learning about the tragedy but were not allowed to directly meet all patients.

Alcohol is banned in Kuwait, but underground sales are common in worker communities. This time, the drinks were mixed with methanol, a toxic chemical, turning a night of relief for workers into a disaster.

The embassy has opened a WhatsApp hotline (+96561008956) for help and urged Nepalis in Kuwait to stay away from banned substances. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered the embassy to coordinate with local authorities to ensure proper care for those hospitalized.

Global outlets including Reuters and AFP report that dozens of patients are on ventilators or undergoing kidney dialysis. For families back home, the news is devastating: another reminder of how risky life can be for Nepalis abroad.