Dhaka: Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah announced on Sunday that Saudi Arabia has issued a total of 1.4 million visas for Bangladeshi citizens in 2025, with 750,000 of those designated as work visas.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the announcement was made during a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. The Ambassador highlighted opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers in Saudi Arabia, as the country continues to undertake significant development projects.
During the meeting, discussions centered on mutual interests, with the Ambassador conveying greetings from the Saudi government and expressing a commitment to further strengthen Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh bilateral relations. The Foreign Minister welcomed the Ambassador, describing Saudi Arabia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh, and recalled the commencement of diplomatic relations during the presidency of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in 1976.
The two sides acknowledged President Zia’s historic contributions to promoting Muslim unity, including his visit to Saudi Arabia in 1977. The Foreign Minister also praised Saudi leadership for its role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and across the Muslim Ummah. He conveyed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s continued hosting of Bangladeshi workers and emphasized the potential for expanding cooperation in sectors such as trade, investment, and energy.
The Foreign Minister also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian assistance for the 1.2 million Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh, recalling the Kingdom’s support in repatriating approximately 200,000 Rohingyas in 1979. He sought continued support for sustainable repatriation efforts to Myanmar.
The Saudi Ambassador reiterated support for the current government and expressed intentions to enhance bilateral relations comprehensively. Earlier, the Ambassador met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam to extend greetings on her appointment. Both parties acknowledged Saudi Vision 2030 and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations for mutual benefit.