Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said Bangladesh will strengthen bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman on labour and migration issues.

He met with Saudi Vice Ministers from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), and the Vice Minister for Interior Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood during his official visit to Riyadh.

The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral ties, addressing labour market challenges, and ensuring better protection for Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

During the discussion with the Saudi Vice Minister for Human Resources and Social Development, Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, Asif Nazrul thanked the Kingdom for hosting more than three million Bangladeshi workers.

He invited Saudi authorities to visit Technical Training Centers (TTCs) in Bangladesh and consider recognizing select centers for skills certification.

The Saudi side responded positively and agreed to assess potential TTCs.

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Key issues discussed included the high Iqama renewal fees and its impact on workers who become jobless due to non-renewal by employers.

The Saudi side noted ongoing labour law reforms aimed at protecting both employees and employers.

The two sides also deliberated on improving employment contract transparency, ensuring workers receive their contracts before departing Bangladesh.

Additionally, concerns regarding the attestation of professional documents at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka were raised.

The absence of a Cultural Attaché has caused delays, and Bangladesh urged the Saudi authorities to empower the Embassy to address this issue directly.

The Saudi side assured that a solution is forthcoming.

Saudi officials informed that a task force would soon be formed to address illegal labour issues and employer-related irregularities.

They welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal to create a joint team to address such concerns.

The meeting also covered improvements in domestic worker training standards, with Bangladesh committing to reducing training duration while enhancing quality to meet Saudi expectations.

Dr. Nazrul reiterated Bangladesh’s interest in securing more opportunities for skilled workers in Saudi Arabia’s mega projects and invited the Saudi Vice Minister to visit Bangladesh.

In a separate meeting with Saudi Vice Minister for Interior, Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening migration and security cooperation. Bangladesh expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality towards Bangladeshi expatriates and its role in ensuring a safe environment for them.

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Discussions covered Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to prevent irregular migration and enhance legal migration processes.

The Adviser sought Saudi cooperation in expediting repatriation for irregular migrants and those with expired visas.

The Saudi Vice Minister assured that the matter would be looked into.

Bangladesh also proposed enhanced oversight mechanisms to prevent labour exploitation and ensure fair recruitment practices.

The Saudi side reiterated its commitment to protecting both employers and employees under the Kingdom’s labour laws.

The Adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s interest in deepening security cooperation, building on the Security Cooperation Agreement signed in November 2022.

Both sides agreed to work together on combating transnational crimes, including human trafficking, illegal migration, and money laundering.

A key request made by the Bangladesh Adviser was for a Royal Pardon for Bangladeshi prisoners convicted of minor offenses. The Saudi Vice Minister took note of the request.

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Both meetings concluded on a positive note, with Bangladesh extending invitations to the Saudi officials to visit Dhaka for further discussions. The engagements reaffirmed the deepening relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and set the stage for enhanced cooperation in labour migration and security matters.

Additionally, Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul met with the Deputy Minister of Labour of Oman, Salim Al-Busaidi. He requested the regularization of irregular Bangladeshi workers without fines, to which the Omani minister responded positively.

The advisor further requested the resumption of work visas, which had been temporarily suspended since October 31, 2023.

The Omani minister mentioned that there is a high demand for Bangladeshi workers in Oman and they are looking for solutions.

The advisor also sought cooperation in recruiting skilled Bangladeshi workers, such as engineers, doctors, nurses in Oman. Both parties agreed to take steps to enhance information exchange and cooperation between them."