The report said that 427 Nepalese are in prison in Saudi Arabia, 217 in Malaysia, 100 in the United Arab Emirates, 44 in Qatar, 26 in Kuwait, three in Bahrain and one each in Egypt and Oman.

The report said that most of those in jails in these countries were migrant workers who faced serious charges, like murder and manslaughter, and also minor offences, such as traffic violations, overstaying and peeing by the roadside.

In addition to serving time in jails in different countries, at least 27 Nepalese were facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, according to the report.

The foreign ministry and labour ministry prepared the report on the status of Nepalese serving jail sentences in different countries in the world and presented it to Nepalese Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal Tuesday.

Over four million Nepalese are believed to be working in these countries, with 400,000 in Malaysia alone.