Expired Iqama Won’t Bar Stranded Bangladeshi Workers from Returning to Saudi Arabia
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladeshi migrant workers stranded at home due to flight disruptions will be allowed to return to Saudi Arabia even if their residence permits, known as iqama, have expired, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has said.
Speaking at a discussion in Dhaka on Monday, the minister said the affected workers would be automatically accommodated in Saudi Arabia’s system once the situation improved and they were able to resume travel.
The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment confirmed the minister’s remarks in a statement issued later in the day.
Flight disruptions have affected 144 flights operating between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, including direct and transit services, according to the ministry’s statement. The disruption has prevented many Bangladeshi workers from returning to their workplaces after leave, raising concerns over the expiry of their residence permits.
Minister calls for lower migration costs
The minister urged recruiting agencies to reduce overseas employment costs and refrain from charging workers excessive fees.
He said workers should not be charged Tk 700,000 to Tk 800,000 for overseas employment when the process could be completed for around Tk 300,000.
The government is also working to introduce modern technology at the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) to simplify overseas employment procedures and speed up visa verification, he said.
The ministry is planning to promote an open email service to help workers submit complaints and seek assistance, according to the statement.
Chowdhury also urged migrant workers to comply with the laws and regulations of their destination countries.
Bangladesh seeks special pardon for Saudi detainees
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque urged the Saudi government to consider granting special clemency to Bangladeshi nationals held in Saudi prisons during the upcoming Ramadan.
He said bilateral issues could be resolved through dialogue and called on recruiting agencies to help reduce migration expenses.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Zafar H. bin Abiyah said Bangladeshis constitute the largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia after Saudi nationals themselves. He expressed optimism that the longstanding relationship between the two countries would expand further in the labour sector.
Recruiting agencies seek reforms
Representatives of recruiting agencies called for a simpler Takamol skills assessment process, lower examination fees and measures to resolve manpower-related administrative complications at BMET.
They also urged the authorities to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of recruiting agencies.
The meeting was chaired by Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md. Mokhtar Ahmed. Other attendees included Enamul Haque Chowdhury, an adviser to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman; BMET Director General Jamil Ahmed; Wage Earners’ Welfare Board Director General Md. Asaduzzaman; and Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Ltd. Managing Director Mohammad Rashedul Haque.
