Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia discuss labour issues, seek solutions for Iqama renewal fees

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia held discussions on several key labour-related issues, including the high Iqama (residence permit) renewal fees and the impact on workers who lose their jobs due to non-renewal by employers.

The meeting took place today (30 January) in Riyadh between Saudi Vice Minister for Human Resources and Social Development Abdullah Abuthnain and Bangladesh's Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Asif Nazrul.

During the official visit, Asif Nazrul expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting over three million Bangladeshi workers. The Saudi side shared details about ongoing labour law reforms aimed at safeguarding both employees and employers, according to a press release from Bangladesh's foreign ministry.

The two sides also discussed enhancing transparency in employment contracts, ensuring that workers receive their contracts before leaving Bangladesh.

Concerns were raised regarding delays in the attestation of professional documents at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka, caused by the absence of a Cultural Attaché. Bangladesh urged Saudi authorities to grant the embassy the authority to handle these matters directly, with Saudi officials promising a timely solution.

Additionally, Saudi officials announced the creation of a task force to address illegal labour issues and employer-related irregularities, welcoming Bangladesh's suggestion to form a joint team to tackle these problems.

They also discussed improving domestic worker training standards, with Bangladesh committing to reduce training duration while ensuring quality to meet Saudi expectations.

Asif Nazrul invited Saudi authorities to visit Bangladesh's Technical Training Centers and consider recognising select centres for skills certification. Saudi officials responded positively, agreeing to assess the potential centres.

He also stressed Bangladesh's interest in securing more job 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 Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening migration and security cooperation.

Bangladesh expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's hospitality toward Bangladeshi expatriates and its role in ensuring their safety.

The discussions also focused on Bangladesh's efforts to curb irregular migration and improve legal migration processes, with the adviser requesting Saudi cooperation to expedite the repatriation of irregular migrants and those with expired visas. Saudi officials assured the matter would be addressed.

Furthermore, Bangladesh suggested improving oversight 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.

Bangladesh also reaffirmed its interest in further strengthening security cooperation, building on the Security Cooperation Agreement signed in November 2022. Both sides agreed to collaborate on tackling transnational crimes, such as human trafficking, illegal migration, and money laundering.

A key request from the Bangladesh adviser was a Royal Pardon for Bangladeshi prisoners convicted of minor offences, which Saudi officials acknowledged.

Both meetings concluded on a positive note, with Bangladesh inviting Saudi officials to visit Dhaka for further talks, reinforcing the growing relationship between the two countries and paving the way for deeper cooperation in labour migration and security issues.

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

He also requested the resumption of work visas, which had been suspended since 31 October 2023. The Omani minister noted the high demand for Bangladeshi workers in Oman and mentioned efforts to find solutions.

The adviser also asked for cooperation in recruiting skilled Bangladeshi workers, such as engineers, doctors, and nurses. Both sides agreed to enhance information exchange and cooperation.