Bangladeshi migrants can pursue legal avenues over wage, iqama issues: Saudi envoy

Bangladeshi migrant workers in Saudi Arabia facing issues like unpaid salaries or missing iqamas (residence permits issued by employers to work visa holders) can seek legal redress, contact their embassy or work with Saudi authorities to protect their rights, said Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan in an interview with The Business Standard's Kamran Siddiqui. 

Saudi Arabia hosts over three million Bangladeshi migrant workers. What are the prospects for increasing worker recruitment in the coming months?

I would like to emphasise that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh has been strong since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and it continues to grow every day, Alhamdulillah. 

Regarding labour migration, we are gradually bringing more Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia for many reasons. One of the key factors is the efficiency and hard work of Bangladeshis, as well as the trust that Saudi citizens and the private sector have in Bangladeshi workers.

We also recognise their contributions to the current development of Saudi Arabia, as well as the benefits they bring to their families and communities in Bangladesh. As for the number of migrants, Saudi Arabia is hosting over 3.2 million Bangladeshi migrants. 

The Saudi embassy in Dhaka processes 5,000 to 7,000 visas every single day, generating jobs and helping Bangladesh ease its employment situation. I believe this is a win-win situation: Bangladesh benefits from its abundant manpower, while Saudi Arabia gains from the opportunities created by ongoing mega projects and the Vision 2030 initiative. 

Therefore, the flow of visas from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia is expected to continue.

How can Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia address illegal visa trading in labour migration?

Visa trading is illegal and strictly prohibited. I urge all agencies, workers and migrants to go through official channels to obtain their visas, avoiding middlemen who may exploit them. These intermediaries often blackmail workers, take their money, and disappear. 

The visa costs are borne by the employers – whether they are companies or individuals – with only minor official fees (e.g., for fingerprinting), which are also covered by the employers. 

Some middlemen or agencies falsely claim that employers do not pay anything, but this is untrue. We encourage all workers to use the official channels, and at the Saudi embassy, we do not charge any service fees.

Workers report missing Iqamas and unfulfilled job promises, while recruiters cite high Iqama costs. Can you clarify the costs and solutions to ensure fair treatment?

This is a misunderstanding. The iqama and related procedures can now be handled electronically via mobile apps, thanks to Saudi Arabia's e-government services. 

Regarding the iqama, there is a contract between the recruitment agency in Saudi Arabia and the agency here in Bangladesh. After a probation period of 90 days, which allows workers and employers to assess their fit, the worker will receive the visa, and the iqama may follow shortly after — usually within a week or two. 

Employers are legally obligated to issue visas for all workers they recruit, and all associated costs are borne by the employers, whether they are processing one visa or a thousand. There are regulations in place, and workers' rights are fully protected by law.

What is the destination country's role in curbing illegal remittance channels?

This is an issue that concerns both workers and the governments of both countries. We will not allow illegal channels for remittance transfers, and we strongly encourage all workers in Saudi Arabia to use proper, legal channels. 

We now have digital financial platforms that allow for instant, secure remittances. If workers resort to informal systems like Hundi, it not only harms Bangladesh's economy but also the host country's economy. 

With allegations of extra commissions taken by Flynas airline's sales agent raising Hajj ticket prices, will there be an investigation and action?

Saudia, Flynas and Biman all operate Hajj flights. Regarding the alleged fees or overcharging, this is an internal matter between Bangladesh and the parties concerned. It is not directly related to the Saudi government. However, I have urged the Bangladesh government to investigate and reduce costs where possible to allow more pilgrims to participate. 

Any updates on Bangladesh's review of the terms of the agreement between Patenga Terminal and Saudi's RSGTI?

Bangladesh is an attractive destination for investors, and Saudi companies are actively exploring opportunities here. The Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI), a prominent Saudi company, has a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the shipping ministry in Bangladesh to operate the Patenga Bay terminal. They are currently working there. 

There is no review of the terms of the agreement. There are some issues regarding foreign currency exchanges and we are working to resolve them. We are also discussing the possibility of another project with the company at Matarbari Port, Insha'Allah.