Nepal stopped issuing licenses to its citizens to work in Russia and Ukraine until further notice, an official said Friday, following the death of at least 10 Nepali soldiers serving in the Russian army.

Nepal has asked Russia not to conscript its citizens into the Russian military and immediately send back to the Himalayan country all Nepali soldiers as well as compensate the families of those killed.

The government has said that up to 200 Nepali citizens are estimated to be working in the Russian military, and Foreign Minister NP Saud told the state news agency RSS that about 100 Nepalis were reported missing.

The Nepalese soldiers, the so-called Gurkhas, they are known for their bravery and fighting skills, and serve in the British and Indian armies after India’s independence in 1947 under an agreement between the three countries. There is no such agreement with Russia.

The decision to temporarily stop issuing work permits for Russia and Ukraine is intended to minimize loss of life and will remain in effect until further notice, said Kabiraj Upreti, director of the foreign employment department. “(This measure) is for the safety of our citizens,” he said.

Nepali migrant workers will need to obtain work permits from the government in order to take civilian jobs abroadwhich entitle them to state support in emergency situations or compensation for their families in the event of death.

Millions of Nepali nationals employed in civilian jobs, mainly as industrial and construction workers in South Korea, Malaysia and the Middle East.

Police in Nepal arrested 10 people last month on charges of sending unemployed youths for illegal recruitment into the Russian army after they were charged huge sums of money for travel visas.

Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine in February 2022 both countries have since been embroiled in a war, with Moscow calling its actions a “special military operation”.

More than 800 Nepalis have taken out work permits for civilian jobs in Russia over the past two years, according to official figures. No data available for Ukraine.

The Russian embassy in Kathmandu did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.