Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury on Sunday announced the introduction of a 100-bed separate accommodation facility at the capital’s Ashkona Hajj Camp for overseas-bound workers who may need temporary shelter and overnight stay.

He made the announcement while visiting the Hajj Camp in the morning.

The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a proposal from the Religious Affairs Ministry, according to a press release.

The minister said the Wage Earners’ Centre, currently operated by his ministry, has accommodation facilities for 49 people.

“However, to reduce the suffering of expatriates during emergencies or sudden flight cancellations, another 100 beds will be arranged at the Hajj Camp, which is close to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport,” he said.

Of the new facilities, 50 beds will be allocated for men and another 50 for women, Ariful added.

The overall cost of the initiative will be borne by the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board.

Highlighting the government’s expatriate-friendly policies, the minister said the government is committed to increasing facilities and services for migrant workers.

“Flights are often delayed or cancelled due to wars, adverse weather conditions and various other reasons. At such times, expatriates face accommodation problems at airports. This arrangement at the Hajj Camp will significantly reduce their hardship,” he said.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad and senior officials of the Hajj Camp were present.