DHAKA, Aug 06 (V7N) — Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen labour cooperation following a bilateral meeting in Dhaka, where both sides discussed expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers and improving labour protections.
The meeting was held at the office of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, who met with a Saudi delegation led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Consular Affairs Dr Mohammed A.M. Alshammari and Deputy Minister for Human Resources Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Essa.
During the meeting, Al-Essa announced a new measure aimed at protecting Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia. Under the revised arrangement, if an employer (kafeel) fails to renew a worker's residency permit (Iqama), the employee will be able to transfer to another employer and renew the permit without facing legal obstacles.
Bangladesh presented several proposals to enhance bilateral labour cooperation, including the renewal and review of agreements covering the recruitment of domestic workers, general workers and the Skills Verification Programme (SVP). Dhaka also proposed convening meetings of the Joint Commission and the Joint Technical Committee at a mutually convenient time.
The Bangladeshi side further proposed establishing a Saudi-Bangladesh Joint Technical Training Institute to improve workers' skills through vocational training, Arabic language instruction, orientation on Saudi labour laws and culture, and pre-departure preparation.
To facilitate the recruitment of skilled and professional workers in sectors such as healthcare, construction, information technology and hospitality, Bangladesh also suggested developing a framework for the mutual recognition of technical, vocational and professional qualifications.
The government additionally requested Saudi authorities to ensure the timely issuance and renewal of work permits and residency permits for Bangladeshi workers, noting that delays by some employers have affected workers despite increased work permit fees.
Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury thanked the Saudi delegation for its continued cooperation and highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
"Bangladeshi workers continue to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia's development while their remittances remain an important pillar of Bangladesh's economy," he said.
The minister also suggested that graduates of Bangladesh's Qawmi madrasas, many of whom possess strong Arabic language skills, could receive specialised training to improve their employment prospects in Saudi Arabia.
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque urged Saudi Arabia to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi workers to help meet labour demand ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi female domestic workers employed in the Kingdom.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md Mokhter Ahmed requested Saudi authorities to consider granting clemency to Bangladeshi nationals currently imprisoned in Saudi Arabia ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and Eid.
Responding to Bangladesh's proposals, Deputy Minister Al-Essa expressed Saudi Arabia's strong interest in recruiting more skilled and professional Bangladeshi workers, particularly in healthcare, construction, information technology and hospitality.
He noted that Saudi Arabia has already strengthened worker protections through the implementation of a Wage Protection System and mandatory insurance coverage. He also said Saudi authorities would examine requests concerning imprisoned Bangladeshi nationals if detailed information is provided through diplomatic channels.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiyah, Prime Minister's Special Assistant Dr Shakirul Islam Khan, and senior officials from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment also attended the meeting.
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