Bangladesh has requested the Saudi government to waive seven-day institutional quarantine for the Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom as Dhaka will ensure quarantine here prior to their departure.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the request in a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday.
"We have requested them to waive seven-day quarantine in Saudi hotels and instead we will ensure seven-day quarantine in Bangladesh prior to their departure," Dr Momen told UNB.
He said the Saudi Foreign Minister replied that he would convey this message to relevant authorities .
Also read: Quarantine in KSA: Saudi expatriate workers to get Tk 25000 each as subsidy
Dr Momen said if the Saudi government agrees it will help reduce the financial burden of Bangladeshi workers going to that country.
At present, it is mandatory for Bangladeshi workers to stay in seven- day institutional quarantine once they reach Saudi Arabia.
Dr Momen thanked the Saudi government for allowing Bangladeshi workers in the KSA despite COVID-19 pandemic.
The Saudi foreign minister conveyed his Bangladesh counterpart that no one from outside the KSA will get opportunity to perform Hajj this year due to pandemic.
Also read: Govt to help expats get hotel accommodation in KSA for quarantine: FM
The Saudi ministries of health and hajj on Saturday announced that a total of 60,000 people will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage this year.
Dr Momen sought support from the Saudi government over safe repatriation of Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine state.
The Saudi foreign minister accepted Dr. Momen’s invitation to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.