Dhaka:Bangladeshi workers whose iqamas (residence permits) expired due to flight disruptions will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister stated that entry formalities for these workers would be completed automatically through an electronic system, ensuring their entry into the kingdom. He emphasized the potential for achieving overseas employment targets through collaboration between the government and recruiting agencies and highlighted the importance of reducing migration costs for workers.
The minister criticized recruiting agencies for overcharging, citing that it is unacceptable to charge Tk 7-8 lakh when the cost could be Tk 3 lakh. He urged agencies to conduct their business ethically and not burden workers with excessive fees. Additionally, he announced the introduction of modern technology at the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) to streamline the overseas employment process and expedite visa verification. A dedicated email service is also being implemented to address complaints.
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque, speaking as a special guest, appealed to the Saudi government for a special amnesty for Bangladeshis in jail in the kingdom during Ramadan. He expressed optimism about resolving bilateral issues through discussions and urged agencies to lower migration costs.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya noted that Bangladeshi workers form the largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia after its nationals, and he anticipated stronger future ties in the labor sector. During the meeting, recruiting agency representatives called for simplifying the Takamul test process, reducing fees, resolving BMET's manpower issues, and strengthening recruiting agencies.