Welcoming Oman’s visa streamlining process, Bangladesh on Thursday described suspension of issuance of visas for Bangladeshi nationals as temporary in nature and hoped that it will be resolved.
On the other hand, Oman “reiterated and affirmed” that the decision announced here is no way and under no circumstances is political in nature.
Rather, the Embassy of Oman in Dhaka said, Oman recalls with utmost respect and gratitude the contributions made and being made by Bangladeshi expatriates while it values the close and brotherly relations with the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
“The decision came suddenly. It could be a very temporary measure. We have talked to our Ambassador. Hopefully, it would be resolved very soon through discussion,” said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.
Responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they want to convey a message to Bangladeshis that no one should go illegally. “We want regular and orderly migration.”
Oman suspends issuing all types of visas to Bangladeshi citizens
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam encouraged the Bangladeshis to securitize each document properly and ensure jobs first before they travel abroad when the issue will be resolved.
“We welcome this streamlining. We have received assurance from them (Oman). It will soon be resumed,” Alam said, adding that those who received visas by October 31 can travel to Oman.
The state minister said the number of Bangladeshis was 60-70 thousand in 2007-2008 which has increased manifolds and stands around 7.5 lakh, almost half of Oman’s foreign workers.
He said the relationship between Bangladesh and Oman are very cordial but acknowledged that there has been some misuses.
Shahriar said the government will bring them under the law if Oman government informs Bangladesh about the individuals who brought people Oman in the name of jobs.
Responding to a question, the state minister said the issue of labour market remains a priority when they visit any country in the Middle East.
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Reaction from Oman
The content of the announcement issued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) regarding suspension of issuance of visas for Bangladeshi nationals comes in the context of a comprehensive review process being conducted by the relevant Omani authorities with a view to streamline the regulation of foreign labour market in line with the needs and stability of Omani labour market in a way that ensures the rights of both workers and employers in accordance with labour laws.
The decision to suspend issuance of visas includes other nationalities and it is temporary in nature, said the Embassy of Oman in Dhaka.
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The competent authorities exerting their sincere efforts and keen to complete the review process as early as possible in order to resume visa issuance process afresh in accordance with the guidelines and regulations that concludes the review process, it said.
In fact, the review process is based on technical and legal factors that serve and protect the interests of an expatriate worker and the employer as well as ensure the stability of the foreign labour market in Oman, said the Embassy.
The Sultanate of Oman gives values and deeply appreciates the contributions of Bangladeshi expatriate workforce to the development process and economic growth in Oman, it said.
“Oman shows its keenness on enhancing bilateral relations with the People's Republic of Bangladesh in a manner that serves the common interests of both countries,” said the Embassy.